Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson runs holiday clinic for more than 60 star-struck youngsters

Young Great Southern basketballers took to the court with the nation’s most decorated basketball star Lauren Jackson during her visit to Albany last week. The Australian basketball legend is a former Women’s National Basketball Association No.1 draft pick, three-time WNBA most valuable player and dual WNBA champion. The 196cm centre is also a seven-time WNBL champion, four-time WNBL MVP and four-time Olympian. Having hung up the shoes soon after the Opals qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the 42-year-old made her way to regional WA, running basketball clinics and inspiring young country ballers. Jackson ran a host of activities across three courts at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre on Thursday, teaching more than 60 eager youngsters the skills of basketball. Brock Nelson was awarded the chance to lock horns with Jackson in a tense shoot-off, with the four-time Olympian prevailing 48-44. A country girl herself, having been born and raised in Albury, NSW, Jackson said her regional tour across WA was key to developing young talents in rural parts of Australia. “I think it’s hugely important for kids all over Australia to be able to meet athletes like myself, who have been able to make it through the pathways and get to a (high) level,” she said. “So for me, it’s hugely rewarding. I love it and I love being able to meet the kids, it’s incredible. “Sport in any form is so important for kids and you want to get them out participating as much as possible.” The Australian Basketball Hall of Famer said it was promising to see the strong contingent of Albany Raiders players at the clinic, which facilitates the growth and development of young Great Southern basketballers. “The program here is awesome and super encouraging,” she said. “I think you’ve just got to get more courts to regional areas so that they have the resources and the ability to play when they want to play.” The clinic was the fourth stop of a tour around the south of the State, including Bunbury and Kalamunda, run by She Hoops, which promotes women in basketball through pathways, mentoring and education programs. During her Q&A session with the youngsters, Jackson was probed about the potential of an Olympic tilt but maintained she had not yet made up her mind. The clinic concluded with Jackson signing jerseys, water bottles, shoes and basketballs of the star-struck participants.