Lauren Jackson becomes first Australian player ever inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame

Lauren Jackson has reflected on a “mind-blowing” achievement as she became the first Aussie ever to be inducted into a special Hall of Fame.

Lauren Jackson will become the first Australian ever to land a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player when she gets inducted into the class of 2021.

The basketball icon is one of Australia’s most decorated athletes and was thrilled to be honoured in such a prestigious way.

Watch Live coverage every week of the NBA Regular Season with ESPN on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

“I am extremely honoured and humbled to be named in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021,” Jackson said.

“To be recognised alongside such esteemed members of the basketball fraternity in the class of 2021 is mind-blowing, and then the prospect of being inducted into the prestigious Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with legends and pioneers of our sport is just surreal.

“Growing up I could only have dreamt of having the career that I have had, and I am thankful every day for the experiences and opportunities that basketball has given me.

“I’m just a girl from country NSW who worked hard to be the best I could be and if that inspires others to follow in my footsteps and chase their own goals and aspirations, then that’s the most enriching award I can receive.

“To everyone who has played a role in my life and basketball career to date, all I can say is ‘thank you’ from the bottom of my heart; this Hall of Fame honour is as much yours as it is mine.”

Jackson’s resume is stacked with highlights. A seven-time WNBA All-Star, she won the American league’s most valuable player (MVP) award three times and led her Seattle Storm to championships in 2004 and 2010.

Jackson was unstoppable in her prime.

She was a once-in-a-generation player.

Jackson dominated overseas after making a name for herself Down Under. She’s a five-time WNBA All-Star, a four-time MVP and four-time Grand Final MVP.

The basketball legend won three Olympic silver medals with the Opals in 2000, 2004 and 2008, and won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and the World Championships that same year.

A five-time Australian International Player of the Year, Jackson was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

Basketball Australia interim Chairman John Carey said: “On behalf of Basketball Australia and the Australian Basketball community, I want to congratulate Lauren on her thoroughly deserved inclusion in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

“Lauren is Australia’s greatest ever basketballer and a true pioneer of women’s sport. No other Australian basketballer has achieved the level of success that Lauren has, and her pending induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame is a reflection of her incredible accomplishments.

“The significance of this recognition cannot be understated, it’s a landmark day for Australian sport, and it’s only fitting that Lauren is set to become the first Australian athlete to be inducted as a player into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.”

All other Aussie basketballers look up to Jackson.

Lindsay Gaze is the only other Australian in the Naismith Memorial Hall of fame, being inducted for his coaching achievements in 2015. However, Jackson is the only Australian to claim the honour as a player.

Jackson will be one of 16 honorees in the class of 2021. In addition to her, this year’s class includes nine honourees from the North American and Women’s committees including NBA legends Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce and Ben Wallace.

Originally published as Lauren Jackson becomes first Australian player ever inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame