Legendary Jackson opens door to Opals return after stepping back into the sport

MELBOURNE (Australia) - Some 16 years after Lauren Jackson took the Opals to a glorious FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup title, the legend is potentially in contention again after coming out of retirement.

Even if the FIBA Hall of Famer insists that stepping back onto the floor in Sydney later this year is not at the front of her mind, there's no doubt that wearing the green and gold is always a huge pull factor. This is magnified many times over with the allure of a major tournament return on home soil; in fact, literally on home soil, since the player hails from New South Wales.

"I THINK LAUREN HAS EARNED THE RIGHT TO COME BACK WHENEVER SHE WANTS... I THINK THAT IS EXCITING FOR THE WHOLE OF AUSTRALIA." - Ezi Magbegor

Her decision to lace up her game shoes again at club level with Albury of NBL 1 has got everyone talking about what could ultimately turn into an Opals' fairytale.

Certainly her presence would prove inspirational to the rising stars of Australian basketball such as Shyla Heal and Ezi Magbegor, who have both backed Jackson's unexpected return.

"I hope Lauren does make a comeback because it would be awesome to learn from her and experience that," enthused Heal when speaking to the Daily Telegraph.

"If she makes a comeback, little or big, for us younger ones coming through who didn't get to play with her, now we might have an opportunity to and that is cool.

Shyla Heal (pictured) and Ezi Magbegor are two of the brightest young Opals' players and also Ambassadors for the event

Meanwhile Magbegor added: "I think Lauren has earned that right to come back whenever she wants. If she does decide to make a return at some point, I think that is exciting for the whole of Australia."

Their praise of Jackson and full-throated support is barely a surprise, since the 40-year-old is revered as the greatest Australian baller ever and one of the very best the female game has ever seen.  Her medal haul and list of individual accolades spanning her sparkling two decade career is astonishing.

For now though, the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Ambassador is just focusing on getting onto the court with her hometown team and taking things step by step.

"I'm literally just really happy with where I'm at," she told the Daily Telegraph.

"I haven't played in eight years, it would be absolutely stupid of me to sit here and say I'm going to be there because I'm not at this point.

"Just getting to play [in Albury] is more special than anything. [The World Cup] isn't on my radar."

"My career didn't end the way that would have been nice. Being home and being able to get settled here in Albury, raise my children has definitely given me the opportunity to take it slowly and see where I got to," concluded Jackson.

FIBA