Lauren Jackson has become the first Australian player ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing her status as a legend of the game.
Key points:
- Lauren Jackson won two WNBA titles and was MVP of the league three times
- Jackson joins coach Lindsay Gaze as the only Australians with a place in the Hall of Fame
- Other inductees in the 2021 class include Chris Bosh and Paul Pierce
Jackson, a three-time WNBA MVP and seven time All Star, won two WNBA titles with the Seattle Storm, to go with her six championships back home in the WNBL.
Widely recognised as Australia’s greatest ever basketballer, Jackson won Olympic medals with the Opals at four Olympic Games, as well as gold at the 2006 FIBA World Chamionships and 2010 Commonwealth Games.
“Growing up I could only have dreamt of having the career that I have had, and I am thankful every day for the experiences and opportunities that basketball has given me,” Jackson said.
“I’m just a girl from country NSW who worked hard to be the best I could be and if that inspires others to follow in my footsteps and chase their own goals and aspirations, then that’s the most enriching award I can receive.
“To everyone who has played a role in my life and basketball career to date, all I can say is ‘thank you’ from the bottom of my heart — this Hall of Fame honour is as much yours as it is mine.”
Loading
Jackson joins coach Lindsay Gaze as the only Australians with a place in the Hall of Fame.
Fellow inductees in the 2021 class include NBA champs Chris Bosh and Paul Pierce, while Bill Russell has been honoured for his coaching career after being inducted for his legendary playing career in 1975.
The 2020 class was belatedly honoured on Sunday, and included the late Kobe Bryant.
More to come.
Rebecca Cook: Reuters
)
