SEATTLE, Washington is a far cry from Albury, but it’s where Lauren Jackson made a name for herself as one of the greatest basketballers ever to play the game.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Border’s brightest sporting star last weekend returned to the scene of her meteoric rise for the first time since 2012 to witness her former WNBL club, the Seattle Storm, officially retire her famous number 15.
Jackson’s mother Maree, who wasn’t able to travel to the ceremony, said she had enjoyed returning to the United States.
“Lauren really enjoyed being able to go back,” she said.
“Everyone went above and beyond to make it a fantastic event for her, there were tributes throughout the game.
“She really appreciated what they did, seeing (former teammate) Sue Bird and the team.”
Jackson's jersey, the first to be retied, now hangs in Seattle's KeyArena next to the two WNBA banners she helped the Storm win in the 2004 and 2010 seasons.
Though saddened to have some closure over arguably one of the biggest parts of her career, things are looking up for the former Albury star.
After officially retiring in late March, Jackson underwent a half-knee replacement which seems to have come good.
“She's pain free in her knee at the moment, which is pretty amazing,” Maree said.
“She was in a lot of pain after the operation, she's just starting to work through it after six weeks or so.”
Jackson had previously hinted about making a comeback, either through the SEABL with the Albury-Wodonga Lady Bandits or the Big V with the North-East Bushrangers.
“For now I just need to have a bit of a break,” Jackson said at the time.
In the meantime, Jackson has taken up a role on the board of WNBL franchise Melbourne Boomers, after the ailing club was thrown a lifeline by Etihad Stadium chairman Tony Hallam.
