Future Opals signs on for 2024

Feature image: Discovery One Photography

Opal in the making Isla Juffermans has signed with the Newcastle Falcons for the 2024 NBL1 season.

The Coffs Harbour junior has been pinned as a future star of the women’s national team program, having represented Australia in a tour of China in September, alongside NBL1 stars like National Champion Amy Atwell. 

The 194cm (6’4”) 18-year-old averaged 16.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and shot 69% from the field in 2023 with Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence – leading the team to a 16-6 record and making the Semi-Final.

Isla Juffermans DOMINATED for the COE tonight with 3??0?? points and 1??1?? rebounds ?

The COE took down Sydney 87-77 in a standalone Thursday night #NBL1East fixture ? pic.twitter.com/LxyGFheNaw

— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 29, 2023

On the junior level, Juffermans has worn green and gold at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Spain this year and the U17 World Cup in Hungary in 2022.

Juffermans said she will feel at home in Newcastle and cannot wait to start next season.

“I’m a Coffs Harbour junior so Newcastle basically feels like home to me, so I’m excited at this opportunity to play for the Falcons,” she said.

“Being a NSW Country girl, while I loved playing for the CoE in NBL1 East this year, it will be good being back in a home setting being back in NSW playing NBL1 here. I can’t wait to get started.”

Currently playing in the WNBL with the Sydney Flames, the star in the making will continue her development after the 2024 season in the US college system after committing to the University of Louisville. 

Stay up-to-date with all the latest NBL1 signings via the 2024 Roster Tracker here.