Bourne Ready: Is the Lightning's latest recruit the WNBL’s best kept secret?

The early returns from Issie Bourne have been impressive. As the new WNBL season gets underway, the best is still yet to come.

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Issie Bourne had a choice to make. A massive, life changing, career defining choice. 

The 22-year-old had just finished her fourth year at Nebraska, where she'd exceeded all expectations. She'd been a three-year captain, joined the 1,000-point club, and was widely considered one of the school’s most reliable, popular, and likeable players. During her time in Lincoln, she'd met her partner Trevor, played alongside some of her closest friends, and learned from a coach she adored. It was the type of career most players dream of.

All that, and she still had a fifth year of eligibility. For most, the decision to return would be a nobrainer. More minutes, memories, and making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play basketball at an elite college.

She had the world at her fingertips. So, why leave?

“It was a really difficult decision, it wasn’t one I took lightly,” Bourne explains. “I did a lot of pros and cons on both sides, and I don't think either way it would be a bad decision... But I think I had spent four years in Nebraska, and I think I was ready to come back to Australia at that point.”

So, after four years abroad, she returned to Australia and signed her first professional contract with the Adelaide Lightning. Bourne had decided she was ready to to start her WNBL career. The question now, is the WNBL ready for her?