MVP tips Jewels recruit to thrive

Izzy Borlase believes Madina Okot is set to thrive in the WNBL, and she’s tipping a Jewels teammate to help bring out the best in her.

The reigning WNBL MVP was full of praise for her Atlanta Dream teammate ahead of Okot’s Tasmania Jewels debut, commending how quickly she has adapted to basketball at the highest level.

“I’m so excited for Madina,” Borlase said on The Loop, presented by Blackmores.

“It’s a massive move; she’s my age, and she’s moving to a different country.

“It may take a couple of games; it’s not easy. She’s adjusting to a new country [and] a new team.

“I think she’ll be great. She’s so talented, and she’s only really new to basketball.”

Borlase also pointed to Jewels star Steph Reid as someone who can help get the best out of Okot in her new colours.

“I’m excited to see how she’ll work with Steph Reid. I think Steph’s one of the best point guards in the WNBL,” she said.

“She’s great in the pick-and-roll, and that’s something that Madina is working on and has been.”

Okot will take the court for the first time in the WNBL on Thursday night, when the Jewels host the Southside Melbourne Flyers at the Silverdome from 7pm AEDT, live on 9Now and ESPN via Disney+.