"Surreal feeling": why Isla Juffermans is dreaming big

The Louisville-bound big has become an NBL1 standout and one of Australia's top prospects.

Photo credit: NBL1

As a young teen, Isla Juffermans lapped up ‘My Story’, the autobiography of her idol, Lauren Jackson. A poster of the iconic Opal took pride of place on her bedroom wall.

Last weekend, she came up against the player she modelled her game on when her Newcastle Falcons travelled south to play Jackson’s Albury-Wodonga Bandits in the NBL1 East.

“It was such a surreal feeling,” Juffermans tells The Pick and Roll. “I’d always looked up to her and never thought I’d get that opportunity.”

Rubbing shoulders with her basketball heroes is something the 19-year-old Juffermans may have to get used to. After a star career as a junior, she’s been a standout at NBL1 level this season, averaging 18.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game; her 50% field goal percentage underlines her strength around the basket and her efficiency as a low-post player.

She’s also committed to blue chip school Louisville for their 24/25 campaign and seems to be confidently moving towards the Opals stardom she once dreamed of.