Australia’s greatest ever basketballer Lauren Jackson has been named in the Opals squad, nine years after retiring from international hoops.
News Corp revealed the 41-year-old, a seven-time MVP and seven-time champion across the WNBA and WNBL as well as a four-time Olympic medallist, will join the national team camp in Canberra next week.
She is not guaranteed a spot in the side and would be unlikely to play a major role in every game but has worked hard to regain her fitness, having returned at NBL1 level for Albury Wodonga, where she’s averaging 32.6 points and 11.6 rebounds.
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But Jackson’s experience would prove vital to an Opals side that will not feature Liz Cambage following her well-publicised split from the national team.
“I never expected to get to this point so every day I get past here is a blessing and I truly feel like one of the luckiest people in the world to be getting another shot after the way my career ended,” Jackson told News Corp.
“There’s a little bit of apprehension. I’m definitely a little bit scared and excited but who knows what will happen with my body.
“I’ve been very cautious from day dot, not to get over excited or put any pressure on myself. it’s been a really long journey but every milestone that I’ve hit I’ve…
