Lauren Jackson, Australia’s greatest ever basketballer, has moved one step closer to a remarkable Olympic comeback after being included in the Opals’ final squad for a crucial tournament.
Basketball Australia on Wednesday confirmed the 12-player squad that will fly to South America to play three games against Brazil, Germany and Serbia at next month’s FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament ahead of Paris 2024.
Jackson, 42, was named in the squad, alongside Opals regulars Tess Madgen, Cayla George, Marianna Tolo, Ezi Magbegor, Bec Allen, Alanna Smith, Sara Blicavs and Sami Whitcomb, while emerging young guards Jade Melbourne (21 years old), Steph Reid (27) and Isobel Borlase (19) have also been included.
Watch an average of 9 NBA Regular Season games per week LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
Jackson’s inclusion in the squad continues her remarkable comeback after she retired in March 2016 due to a persistent knee injury.
The four-time Olympian, four-time WNBL MVP, three-time WNBA MVP and five-time WNBL champion returned to the court with the Opals and Southside Flyers in late 2022 and, despite a nasty right Achilles rupture left foot fracture injury in early 2023, has continued to star from limited minutes.
Jackson put up 28 points in the Southside Flyers’ most recent WNBL clash against the Sydney Flames.
“Physically, I am probably fitter than I have ever been … just in terms of the training and the work I have put in. I have probably put in more than I ever have,” she said in October.
Jackson, who was part of four consecutive Olympics campaigns between 2000 and 2012, late last year said a stunning Olympic swan song in Paris was “not part of my plan”. But her incredible experience coupled with her improving on-court output has moved Opals coach Sandy Brondello to pick her for the qualifying tournament in Brazil.
“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.
“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.”
The Opals, ranked No. 3 in the world, need to finish in the top three of its pool in Brazil next month to qualify for Paris 2024.
The inclusion of Melbourne, Borlase and Reid come after the trio’s outstanding form in the WNBL over recent seasons, with Melbourne also having a season with Seattle in the WNBA.
“Playing for the Opals is the pinnacle for me. I can’t wait to get on the plane, get to Brazil and do whatever I can to help the team qualify for Paris,” Melbourne said.
“I’m super excited to embark on this journey with Izzy Borlase, we were roommates at the Under-19 World Cup and are so happy for each other.”
Steph Talbot, Kristy Wallace, Darcee Garbin and Alice Kunek were unavailable for selection, while the likes of Shyla Heal, Anneli Maley and Maddi Rocci weren’t picked from the initial 20-player squad.
All three games in February will be broadcast on ESPN, which you can watch on Foxtel or Kayo Sports.
AUSTRALIAN OPALS 2024 OLYMPIC QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT SQUAD
Rebecca Allen, Sara Blicavs, Isobel Borlase, Cayla George, Lauren Jackson, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Jade Melbourne, Stephanie Reid, Alanna Smith, Marianna Tolo, Samantha Whitcomb.
