Lauren Jackson named in 12-player squad for Olympic qualifiers in Brazil

More than a decade after she last played for Australia at the Olympics Lauren Jackson has taken a big step on a possible trip to Paris this year.

Lauren Jackson looks headed to a fifth Olympics . (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Australian legend Lauren Jackson’s remarkable return to international basketball could take her to a fifth Olympics in Paris after she made the final 12-player squad which will seek to qualify for the Games in Brazil in February.

Jackson, 42, made a stunning return to the Opals in the FIBA World Cup in Sydney in 2022 which ended in emotional scenes amid expectations of it being her last time playing for the Opals.

But Jackson has continued playing in the WNBL with the Southside Flyers, pouring in a season-high 28 points last weekend, and was confirmed as a selection by Opals coach Sandy Brondello on Thursday for clashes with

Brazil, Germany and Serbia at next month’s Olympic qualifying tournament in order to compete at this year’s Paris Olympic Games.

Her selection means Jackson could be headed to a fifth Olympics, 12 years after her last appearance in London in 2012.

The 12-player team tasked will include eight members of the squad which won bronze at the 2022 World Cup including Tess Madgen, Cayla George, Marianna Tolo, Jackson, Ezi Magbegor, Bec Allen, Sara Blicavs and Sami Whitcomb.

“I’m really happy to finally announce the team, we have been hit with some injuries for sure but that’s the nature of what we do so we prepare for that,” Brondello said.

Next stop: Brazil! 🪇

In their quest for Olympic qualification, the Seven Consulting Opals will take on Germany, Serbia and Brazil next month.

Full details ➡️ https://t.co/E98GiI2mb1#WeAreBasketballpic.twitter.com/DtYWOZxNOV

— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) January 17, 2024

“Brazil is first up and with the home crowd they will be tough, Germany is a team on the rise and we have a really competitive history against Serbia, so there are no easy games.

“We have limited preparation time for this window but we will take that as a motivator, this is where our experienced players will really make a difference. We are completely locked in now on the three games and securing our Olympic spot.

“Qualifiers are always tough, the competition continues to improve, we have long distances to travel and limited time to prepare but we know how to win and the green and gold always brings out the best in us.”

Lauren Jackson in action for the Southside Flyers . (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Tokyo Olympian Alanna Smith rejoins the team as does Jade Melbourne for the first time since the 2021 Asia Cup while 19-year-old rising star Isobel Borlase and point guard Steph Reid will debut.

Injuries to key players named in the initial squad had impacted selection with Steph Talbot, Kristy Wallace, Darcee Garbin and Alice Kunek were unavailable for selection.

The qualifying tournament runs from February 8 to 11 in Belem, Brazil with world No.3 Australia needing to finish top three in its pool to book an Olympic ticket.

The Australian-based Opals will fly to Brazil on January 30 where they will link up with Brondello and Europe-based players Tolo, Magbegor and Smith.

Opals Team:

Rebecca Allen

Sara Blicavs

Isobel Borlase

Cayla George

Lauren Jackson

Tess Madgen

Ezi Magbegor

Jade Melbourne

Stephanie Reid

Alanna Smith

Marianna Tolo

Samantha Whitcomb

Game Schedule

Brazil v Australia Thursday 8 February

Australia v Germany Saturday 10 February

Serbia v Australia Sunday 11 February

Originally published as Lauren Jackson named in 12-player squad for Olympic qualifiers in Brazil