Lauren Jackson shaping the next generation of basketball stars
Australia has enjoyed a rich basketball history, but none have come close to the impact Lauren Jackson has had on the game.
The 44-year-old has conquered every major mountain throughout her illustrious career with an achievements list that reads like something out of a video game.
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Jackson's career saw her become a nine-time champion across both the WNBL and WNBA where she also secured seven MVPs across both competitions.
But now the arguable GOAT of Australian basketball is turning her attention to the next generation.
The Naismith Hall of Famer was on hand as an ambassador for the NBA's Rising Stars Invitational, a tournament featuring the top high school talent from across the Asia-Pacific that takes place in Singapore from June 25 to June 29.
While she is easily the highest-profile Aussie, Jackson was far from the only Aussie at the tournament with Berwick College (boys) and Flinders Christian Community College (girls) taking part in the event.
Jackson said taking on the role was hugely important for her in trying to help future hoopers and taking the game to even greater levels.
'I've been so lucky, the sport has given me so much,' Jackson said to news.com.au.
'I take it really seriously. And I think as I've gotten older I understand how important it is for young girls in particular to have role models and to be able to see what they want to be in the future.'
Not only is Jackson stepping in with the NBA, she's taking on a role with the WNBL in helping to elevate the game Down Under even further.
After being named as the league's newly appointed part-time Special Advisor, Jackson says the sky is the limit for the WNBL.
'I think having owners like Robyn (Denholm) and Larry (Kestleman) who have got the vision and also experience in basketball, what they're trying to sort of achieve is they want to be the best league in the world,' Jackson said.
'Obviously the conditions are much better now with the CBA, but I think in terms of the building and where it's going to go, they're just taking it to another level.
'It's a very exciting time to be a female basketball player and I think, like I said, I love what I'm seeing in the front office. They're working so hard to make sure that this next season is fantastic and yeah, it's a really exciting time.'
Women's basketball has taken off in recent years with Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark helping take things to absurd heights.
Despite playing with and against some of the greatest players, Jackson said she's never quite seen anybody like Clark.
'She is … she's unbelievable,' Jackson said.
'To watch her is just something special. I mean, I dial into every single one of her games. She is incredible to watch and I just can't wait to see how far she takes it.
'The way she can pass, the way she can shoot, and like I just can't imagine the pressure that that girl has on her all the time, you know, and I like to watch her and to watch the way that she handles herself. She's impressive. Like, yeah, she's super impressive.'
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