THE AUSTRALIAN presence in the NCAAW continues to become more prominent year after year, with scouts looking to the land down under to try and recruit some of the best female players in the world.

One player who has worked her way onto a college roster is Isabel Palmer, who has suited up for the in the collegiate system for the past three seasons, this time for the Utah Utes and has made herself a valued member of the rotation.

The Newcastle native delivered somewhat of a breakout campaign during the 2022/23 season, boosting her numbers in almost every category and putting her fingerprints all over the team as a result.

She became a constant member of the team’s lineup rotation, and even managed to earn her way into the starting lineup on 18 occasions. The coaching staff saw the impact she brings to the game and gave her the opportunity that reflected that.

Palmer appeared in 30 games during the 2022/23 fixture, and averaged 24 minutes per game, which is double the amount she received in her freshman and sophomore campaigns.

Her numbers from the field went up as well, particularly on the scoring front, where she became a constant contributor for Utah.

Palmer averaged 7.9 points per game, which is nearly twice as much as last season, making the most of her increased court time. She posted a season-high total of 17 points against Stanford early in the season, and finished strong with 15 points in the final game of the season, thanks to perfect shooting from the field.

Palmer can produce offence in a number of ways, whether it is in a catch and shoot scenario or creating her own shot. She is also becoming a stronger shooter from behind the arc, seemingly working on that area of her game each offseason. A highlight came in February, when she splashed home a half-court shot to beat the buzzer in one of the most exciting moments for an Aussie in the NCAAW.

The junior also chimed in as a rebounder and passer, boosting her output in this area as well. The increase in minutes gives Palmer more opportunity to showcase all facets of her game. She pulled down 2.5 rebounds per game while also dishing out 2.8 dimes as well, making her a well-rounded threat on both ends.

Entering her senior campaign, Palmer should see her minutes increase once again as an experienced head on the team. Her most recent campaign showed what the guard is capable of, but she is far from at her peak, so there should be even stronger performances to come.