Australian basketball great Lauren Jackson is eyeing a fifth Olympic Games campaign after being included in an extended Opals squad for the qualifiers in Brazil.
Jackson postponed her retirement to play one more WNBL season and is now in the frame to join the Opals at the Paris Olympics 2024, after first appearing at the global event in Sydney in 2000.
The 42-year-old has been included in a 20-player squad for the Olympic qualifying tournament in February, but will have to prove her fitness to be selected in the Opals’ final team of 12.
The extended squad includes all 12 players who won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup, including 2023 WNBA champion Cayla George and rejuvenated guard Rebecca Allen.
The Opals will face Germany, Serbia and hosts Brazil at the Olympic qualifiers from 8 to 11 February, and need to finish in the top three of their group to book a ticket to Paris.
“The qualifiers in Brazil are definitely a challenge, the standard of women’s basketball globally has lifted considerably since the last Olympics as the game continues to gain momentum,” the Opals head coach, Sandy Brondello, said.
“Our squad is a great mix of experience and exciting emerging talent, so we approach the qualifiers with confidence but great respect for our opposition.
“We will have limited preparation for these qualifiers, but we know with the Opals, we lift for the big occasion and with an Olympics spot on the line we can expect each player to bring it.”
The star-studded Opals squad blends youth with experience and includes Jade Melbourne, fresh from her rookie WNBA campaign, as well as 19-year-old Isobel Borlase.
Borlase has been selected in her first senior national squad after being co-captain of the Gems at this year’s under-19 World Cup.
The squad also boasts several players with high-level WNBA, WNBL and European experience, including veteran centre Marianna Tolo.
“Olympic qualifying tournaments are always nerve-racking because of what’s on the line,” Tolo said.
“It helps that we have a lot of players who have been together before and then there’s a sprinkling of new faces, we’ve got a good squad which I think is ready for the challenge.
“We’re in a really tough group. Brazil as the home team have a huge advantage. Serbia have always been good and we’ve lost some big games against them, their team is probably not as strong as it has been but they’re always really smart. Germany are an [up-and-comer] with a new coach and the Sabally sisters [Satou and Nyara] always bring x-factor.”
Opals squad: Rebecca Allen, Zitina Aokuso, Sara Blicavs, Isobel Borlase, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Shyla Heal, Lauren Jackson*, Alice Kunek*, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Anneli Maley, Jade Melbourne, Stephanie Reid, Maddison Rocci, Alanna Smith, Stephanie Talbot*, Marianna Tolo, Kristy Wallace*, Samantha Whitcomb. * Subject to fitness
