The “GOAT” of Australian basketball Lauren Jackson has announced her return to WNBL, extending her outstanding career to at least one more season.
The 42-year-old Olympic silver medallist, two-time WNBA champion and member of the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame, among several other accolades, is returning to the Melbourne Southside Flyers for the 2023-24 WNBL season, kicking off on November 1.
Jackson returns to the game after what was thought to be a career-ending achilles injury in February, but after two surgeries and months of rehab, she said in a statement that she is “not done yet”.
“I’ve worked hard on rehab and feeling ready to get on court again, so I’m really excited about being out there with a great group of players and a fantastic club,” she said.
“I honestly didn’t know if I would be ready for the WNBL this season, but I am fitter than I was last year, it’s the best I have felt in a long time … the club has seen me on court, and they know I am ready. That’s why we’re here again.”
Jackson was first picked in the women’s national basketball team, the Opals, in 1997, when she was just 16 years old. Since then, she has secured a legendary status in basketball in the WNBA in the US, the WNBL in Australia and in international championships like the World Cup, Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
As the head of women in basketball at Basketball Australia, she has been an inspiration for women and girls in sport.
“If me being part of the WNBL again inspires even one girl or woman to play, or to get involved in basketball, or to come along to see a game, I’ll be really happy,” Jackson said.
Gerry Ryan, the owner of the Melbourne Southside Flyers, said he is thrilled to have Jackson returning to the club.
“She has had an enormous impact, not only in basketball, but on women’s sport,” he said.
“We know what she can do on the court, and she brings tremendous leadership to our program which our players will continue to benefit from.
“Importantly, Lauren is a wonderful role model and will have a prominent position in building our program to support and develop more opportunities for everyone, in particular girls and women, in basketball and sport in general.”
Cheryl Chambers, the coach of the Flyers, said Jackson is an “invaluable” addition to the team.
“Lauren is not only an incredible athlete but also a true leader on and off the court and her return is a testament to her resilience and love for the game,” she said.
The Flyers come up against the Melbourne Boomers in Round One of the WNBL 2023-24 season. The Melbourne derby will be played on Saturday November 4 at 7:30pm AEDT at the State Basketball Centre and can be streamed on 9Now.