Izzy Borlase admits she can't really fathom what's unfolded for her this year as she looks to etch her name alongside some of Australia's greatest female basketball players.
In 2026, the 22-year-old guard has become the youngest WNBL MVP in the last 15 years, made her FIBA Women's World Cup debut with the Opals, and is now on the precipice of winning the WNBA championship.
In her debut season in the American league, she's found some glittering form, scoring 23 points for the Atlanta Dream in their semi-final sweep of the New York Liberty.
Borlase knows that securing the title would put her in an exclusive club with several Australian basketball legends, including Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor and Cayla George.
"Anytime I'm being mentioned in the same conversation as some of those players, it's just super special," Borlase told AAP.
"They've shown the pathway for us and what girls from Australia can do when they come over to America, and it's pretty cool that they got to get to the pinnacle in the WNBA in winning a championship."
Borlase won't be the only Australian in the best-of-seven championship series beginning on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) as sharpshooter Miela Sowah is on the Golden State Valkyries roster.
Sowah hasn't featured in the playoffs yet, but her Opals teammate sees her presence as something that can help her and also inspire the next generation.
"It's huge. When you're seeing Australian girls playing in the WNBA finals. It allows you to dream about what you could do," Borlase said
"We (Australian players) catch up every time we can when we play each other, and that bit of connection from home is super special ... (because) not many people truly understand it until you're here.
"For Miela and I to be able to talk about similar things that we're feeling, it is very comforting in times like this."
It won't be an easy task for the Angel Reese-led Dream to beat the Valkyries, as Golden State are favourites to cap a fairytale season, which has culminated in a Finals berth in just their second campaign since entering the competition.
But beyond everything that is about to unfold, Borlase is also just looking forward to seeing her dad, who is flying over for the series and has supported her since when she first picked up a basketball in Adelaide.
"My mum tells a story that my sister's team needed a fill-in, and I was that fill-in," the guard said.
"Basketball wasn't always the only thing for me. I did lots of other different sports, but I think just the freedom of running around the court and doing a bit of everything ... made me gravitate towards it the most.
"We don't talk about that stuff (the past) too often, but having their (parents') support is always super important."
