Lauren Jackson is playing on a fractured foot but she has her eyes on a break of a different kind for her WNBL side’s match at John Cain Arena on Saturday.
Jackson’s Southside Flyers are seeking to break the league’s long-standing crowd record of 7500 set in Adelaide between the Lightning and Melbourne Tigers for the 1995 grand final.
Lauren Jackson.Credit:Getty Images
The return to the court from the 42-year-old has been a boon for the women’s game in Australia with huge crowds flocking to the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney last October and WNBL crowds are up 25 per cent so far.
Jackson admits she felt nervous but all signs point to a strong turn out on Saturday against the Sydney Flames.
“My first thought was I hope we get a crowd, it would be pretty embarrassing if we didn’t,” Jackson said with a laugh.
“Off the back of the world cup, we’ve had a lot of momentum in the WNBL and this is testament to the league and where we are at. The visibility of the league this year has been second to none.
“The league’s been around for 43 years and we want to keep evolving, we want to keep getting better and this is definitely pushing it in the right direction.”
Jackson has long played through pain with this season no different after it was revealed she has been playing with a fractured foot since round five.
“Yeah I broke my foot,” Jackson said.
“But I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been special playing again and I know what it is like to retire and not be able to play the game so to have this second opportunity to play means I want to play for as long as possible.
“It’s been magic to be back, a bit painful for the last couple of minutes but awesome.”
Jackson has continued her practice of signing autographs and posing for pictures at both home and away venues.
“I’m playing more minutes [in games] than at the world cup so it has been good to sit down after a game, sign some autographs and get to know some people,” Jackson said.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Flyers coach Cheryl Chambers said her club’s away crowds have clearly had a boost due to Jackson’s presence.
“We’ve turned up to some places that haven’t had big crowds previously and their stadiums have been full,” Chambers said.
“They give LJ a huge ovation and then barrack for the other team for the rest of the game.
“That will help us down the track as every team is challenging us.”
The Flames have been through a tumultuous few weeks with coach Shane Heal and star guard Shyla Heal being left out of the side without explanation since January 15.
Shyla was released from her contract this week and allowed to join Townsville Fire where she can still qualify to play in the finals, Shane has not commented about his status, nor have the Flames although their website referred to assistant coach Shelley Gorman as ‘coach’ in a story this week.
Jackson expects the Flames to be a tough proposition on Saturday given they almost upset her side in their last clash three weeks ago.
With five games left in their season, the Flyers need every win they can to secure the highest possible finish.
Jackson will wait until the off-season before deciding whether she will be able to play on considering she has two young sons and a key job with Basketball Australia, in charge of ‘women in basketball’.
‘So engaging’: Jackson praises Stewart, WNBA free agency
Lauren Jackson is a legend of the Women’s National Basketball Association following her years with the Seattle Storm and she has praised superstar Breanna Stewart whose move to New York Liberty has captured international attention.
Stewart, who led Team USA to gold at the world cup in Sydney, will play under Australian Opals coach Sandy Brondello at the Liberty after revealing early on Thursday morning Australian time that she would leave the Seattle Storm where she has won two championships to move to the Big Apple.
Jackson dismissed suggestions she might play one more US season and fill Stewart’s shoes back with the Storm.
“Mate – I need to get my foot sorted out,” Jackson said with a laugh.
“There is no way I am playing over there ever again.
“The WNBA has been crazy this off-season and hats off to Stewie, she had a huge decision and done what is best for her.
“I’m really excited for Sandy Brondello, she has got a great season ahead.
“It’s changed so much over there since I was there and the athletes have so many different pressures now. It’s [free agency] has been so engaging for everyone around the world.”
Australian guard Steph Talbot has signed a two-year deal with the LA Sparks and Melbourne Boomers centre Cayla George has signed with the Las Vegas Aces and will return to the WNBA for the first time since 2018 when she played with Dallas.
