Lauren Jackson named in Opals squad for Olympic qualifiers

More than two decades after her first Olympic appearance, an Australian basketball legend could be headed to Paris.

Australian basketball great Lauren Jackson could make a remarkable Olympic return after being included in the extended Opals squad for the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Brazil.

Jackson, 42, had an asterisk next to her name when Basketball Australia listed the squad on Tuesday, with a “pending fitness” provision for the veteran who made a surprise international comeback in last year’s FIBA World Cup in Sydney.

Already a four-time Olympian, Jackson has been included in a 20-player squad by coach Sandy Brondello but will have to prove her fitness to get to the qualifying event in February.

Jackson was chaired off the court following the final World Cup game in Sydney in October 2022 in what was thought to be her final game for the Opals. But she never officially announced her retirement.

Lauren Jackson’s Opals career may not be over. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Only 12 players will head to Belem from February 8-11 for clashes with Brazil, Germany and Serbia, the top-three teams booking their ticket to Paris. All 12 players from last year’s FIBA World Cup are in the squad,

That includes Bec Allen, who has recovered from the punctured lung that ruined her campaign in Sydney, reigning WNBL MVP and WNBA champion Cayla George, and teen sensation Isobel Borlase.

“The qualifiers in Brazil are definitely a challenge, the standard of women’s basketball globally has lifted considerably since the last Olympics as the game continues to gain momentum,” Brondello said.

Squad locked in 🔒

The Seven Consulting Opals are Brazil-bound as they look to punch their tickets for #Paris2024.

Full details ➡️ https://t.co/AnsP0ufJzN#WeAreBasketballpic.twitter.com/ldAz7sDqHg

— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) December 11, 2023

“Our squad is a great mix of experience and exciting emerging talent, so we approach the qualifiers with confidence but great respect for our opposition. We will have limited preparation for these qualifiers, but we know with the Opals we lift for the big occasion and with an Olympics spot on the line we can expect each player to bring it.”

Marianna Tolo, one of six squad members playing in Europe this season, says the Opals are up for the challenge.

“Olympic qualifying tournaments are always nerve-racking because of what’s on the line. It helps that we have a lot of players who have been together before and then there’s a sprinkling of new faces. We’ve got a good squad which I think is ready for the challenge.

“We’re in a really tough group. Brazil, as the home team, have a huge advantage. Serbia have always been good and we’ve lost some big games against them. Their team is probably not as strong as it has been but they’re always really smart. Germany are an up-and-comer with a new coach and the Sabally sisters (Satou and Nyara) always bring X-factor.”

The Opals, who won consecutive Olympic medals between 1996 and 2012, failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2022.

Despite lack of recent Olympic success, the Opals have won medals at the past three World Cups (bronze 2014 and 2022 and silver in 2018).

Opals squad for February’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Rebecca Allen, Zitina Aokuso, Sara Blicavs, Isobel Borlase, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Shyla Heal, *Lauren Jackson, *Alice Kunek, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Anneli Maley, Jade Melbourne, Stephanie Reid, Maddison Rocci, Alanna Smith, *Steph Talbot, Marianna Tolo, *Kristy Wallace, Sami Whitcomb.