Basketball 2022: Opals legend Lauren Jackson named in Australia’s World Cup team

Life is busy for any single mum of two kids, but when that mum is Lauren Jackson making a comeback to the national team, they need a strong support team behind them.

Lauren Jackson has paid tribute to Team LJ — the close-knit group that has helped Australia’s best ever basketballer complete one of sport’s greatest comebacks.

When you’re a 41-year-old single mother of two it takes more than just an iron will to make a comeback to competitive basketball after more than five years in retirement and for Jackson, she knows she couldn’t have done it without her support network.

“The amount of support I’ve had, I couldn’t have ever dreamt about this without them. I don’t think anyone ever expected it would come this far,” she told News Corp.

Jackson, 41, was on Wednesday named in the Opals 12-player team for next month’s FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney.

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Lauren Jackson's remarkable basketball comeback is complete, with her to represent Australia at next month’s FIBA Women’s World Cup.

It’s nine years since Jackson last represented Australia at international level with chronic injuries forcing her into retirement at 2016.

The four-time Olympic medallist and 2006 World Cup champion was overcome with emotion when Australian coach, and former national teammate, Sandy Brondello broke the selection news over Zoom.

Jackson took the first steps in her comeback late last year after colleagues at Basketball Australia, where she heads up women’s and girls’ strategy, casually asked if she’d consider playing again.

Last November, she got back on the court in her hometown of Albury before signing on to play with the Bandits in NBL1 where she’s dominated, then passed rigorous testing and requirements to earn selection in the Opals squad for camps in June and July before making the final 12-player team.

As Jackson reflected upon her selection, she couldn’t help but note the key people in her life that made her far-fetched dream a reality.

“My parents have been on the journey every step of the way,” she said.

“The sacrifices Mum and Dad have made at their age to help me, look after my kids and put their lives and plans on hold is remarkable.

Jackson has made a special reference to her team, which has played a huge role in making her comeback possible. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“Sam McDonald, my best friend in Albury, has been training with me on court since I started back in November, we were shooting for only 10 minutes a day at the beginning.

“My coach at the Bandits Matt Papps has been great and the support the whole club has given me has been remarkable. My trainer in Albury, Shannon Pigdon, without the work he’s put in I just wouldn’t have got back on court. His approach to my training, the functional strength stuff has really paid off.

“Work have been amazing and they want to see me thrive and have been super supportive.

“My team are so special, I’ve been really lucky. They’re all so in it with me. I’ve never once felt alone in this process, I’ve always had them right there with me and they’re all so happy for me.”

Jackson was excited to tell her kids of her selection on Monday but her dad Gary (parents Gary and Maree both represented Australia) jumped the gun.

“Dad picked Harry (five-year-old) up from school on Monday and Harry ran up to me and said ‘Mum you made the team!’ I was like ‘thanks Dad!’” Jackson said.

“It’s a really special time. Harry is excited to get a guernsey and rock his mum’s number, Lenny (three) is a little bit young to understand.

Jackson speaks to the media at State Basketball Centre in Melbourne on Wednesday. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“I just can’t believe I’m back here and because of how emotional it’s been, I’ve not been able to look too far ahead but now that I’m going to be wearing the green and gold again, in front of my kids, in my country it almost feels too good to be true.”

Jackson donned the green and gold last month when she competed in practice matches against

Canada in New York, top scoring in the second game with 13 points.

She believes she has plenty to contribute to the Opals quest for a World Cup medal in Sydney.

“Whatever the team needs is what I’ll bring. Every time I go out on the court I do me, I play my style of game, there’s fire and passion but I’ll be who I am as a player, a leader and my experience,” she said.

“Things are starting to fall into place, I’m starting to knock down shots inside the paint. There’s been a lot of work put it, it’s a process and come September who knows where I’ll be.”

Sydney will mark Jackson’s fifth World Cup campaign for Australia.

The World Cup tips off on September 22 with Australia facing France, Mali, Serbia, Canada and Japan in its pool games.

Opals World Cup team: Bec Allen, Sara Blicavs, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Lauren Jackson, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Anneli Maley, Steph Talbot, Marianna Tolo, Kristy Wallace, Sami Whitcomb.

Originally published as Basketball 2022: Opals legend Lauren Jackson named in Australia’s World Cup team