BASKETBALL superstar Lauren Jackson has announced her intention to play for the Canberra Capitals this coming WNBL season.
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The four-time Olympian yesterday said she had agreed to Canberra’s request to suit up for the 2013-14 campaign.
Jackson, who had surgery for a chronic hamstring injury in January, was originally planning on using this year as a “gap year” to recover.
The Albury native was supposed to begin a $1 million, three-season deal with Canberra this year but has not been able to play due to the injury.
But having fully recovered from the complaint, Jackson declared herself “pain-free and ready to get back on court”.
“I’m just waiting to see what happens,” a cautious Jackson said.
“I’m ready to play, I was formally offered, we just haven’t heard back from them (Canberra).
“I’m excited to get back out there, it’s just been so long and it’s going to take a while to get my fitness back.
“But I’m feeling pretty good; I’ve been training really hard in Albury with a personal trainer and he’s been fantastic.”
Basketball ACT chief executive Tony Jackson said the Capitals would be delighted to have Jackson but would insist on what he described as a “rigorous” screening process to ensure her full fitness.
“There’s a big difference between being in rehab on a bike machine and being on court competing in the intense physical pressures that basketball brings,” Mr Jackson said.
“It’s about her proving to herself she’s ready.
“Certainly if that’s the case and she and her camp say she’s right and the medical staff say she’s good to go then yeah, if that’s the case there’s a strong chance that would happen. I don’t think we’re there yet.”
Having made the decision to forgo her playing commitments with Seattle Storm to finish her rehabilitation in Australia, the three-time WNBA MVP has enjoyed the time with family and friends.
“We’ve come back and told them (yes) and it’s in their court now,” Jackson said.
“But like I said, if it doesn’t pan out this year, I’ll be somewhere else for sure.”
Jackson will head to Canberra today to join her Opals teammates for a camp as part of the national team’s preparation for the Oceania qualifying series against New Zealand in August.
