THE Nebraska Cornhuskers are home to a few Australian players in the NCAAW, including forward Isabelle Bourne, who is fresh off her junior season with the team.
Along with Jaz Shelly, Bourne suited up for the Cornhuskers during the 2022/23 season, and was one of the team’s better performers, delivering a strong level of consistency over the course of the fixture.
Bourne’s numbers may not have been at career-high level, but they were up on last season, as she looks to get back to her damaging best. In her junior season, the Canberra native lifted her game in other ways, and still took a step forward in her own personal development.
After a drop in minutes in the 2021/22 season, Bourne’s court time was boosted back up during this season, and it saw an increase in her impact. She was one of Nebraska’s best players over the course of her 30 appearances, and continues to improve her own game.
Bourne thrived in her role with the Cornhuskers, contributing in one way or another in every game and looking much more well-rounded as a player in her third campaign at NCAAW level.
She averaged 12.6 points per game, her highest figure since her breakout season a couple of years ago. Shooting 49.4 per cent from the field, Bourne was able to get to her shot with ease and hurt the opposition, despite taking just over 10 shots a game.
Bourne kicked off her campaign with a bang, producing 21 points against the Omaha Mavericks on 10/15 shooting from the field. She only hit the 20-point mark on two more occasions, which is actually a testament to her consistency over the fixture.
The forward’s biggest level of improvement came in the rebounding department, where she posted the best numbers of her college career. Bourne averaged 6.7 rebounds per game, and pulled down 10 or more boards on six occasions, highlighted by a season-high total of 13 against Illinois.
Although not the most accurate three-point shooter, Bourne’s perimeter work was still a factor in her performance. She was left open on the perimeter at times, and showed the capability to punish the opposition for doing so. There is still room for improvement in this arena, but the signs are still promising.
Heading into her senior campaign, Bourne looks set to continue her upward trajectory, getting back to her best over the past few months and improving her game even further.
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