The Albury-Wodonga Bandits faced the difficult task of a Round 1 double-header to open their NBL1 East campaign. While they emerged from the opening weekend of fixtures with big wins over the Comets and Spiders, the only way is up according to Hall of Famer Lauren Jackson.
The Bandits opened their campaign with a dominant 33-point win over the Comets on Saturday night, before they backed up on Sunday with a 57-point drubbing of Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai.
? Post-game interview with the Albury-Wodonga Bandits Head Coach, Sam McDonald, and Lauren Jackson off their win today, in Sydney ??
— ???? ???? (@NBL1East) April 6, 2024
LJ put up an impressive 22 points, with 16 rebounds, coming off the back of her WNBL title with the Southside Flyers ? pic.twitter.com/0RxPLgRGkE
Jackson finished with 55 points across Round 1, and says the results are impressive due to the fact the whole roster is still yet to train together.
“We haven’t had a team practice together – I haven’t had a team practice with the girls either and I think there’s a lot we have to work on,” Jackson said following the win over the Comets.
“I think it’s really encouraging we got a win like we did tonight. I’m really happy with that, and for me personally I’m glad to be back playing for my best mate and with some of my best friends, so I’m really excited and this is what it’s all about.
“It’s meant to be fun, and it’s a fun night.”
“This is the first time we’ve all been together as a group, so we’ve got a lot to work on,” head coach Sam McDonald added.
“But we do have a really solid squad and we’re looking forward to building our momentum, putting new things in place, new pieces in place, and we’re excited for 2024.”
Lauren Jackson was on FIRE ?
— NBL1 (@NBL1) April 6, 2024
2??2?? points and 1??6?? rebounds in her first game back with the Albury-Wodonga Bandits ?
Watch the NBL1 East Game of the Week Live & Free via Kayo Freebies ? pic.twitter.com/k1p0V2oB1z
Jackson’s return to the Bandits comes after an exceptional WNBL season with the Southside Flyers.
The Australian basketball legend played a crucial role in the Flyers’ title triumph over the Perth Lynx – her seventh career WNBL crown – but says playing for the Bandits should make for an enjoyable season.
“When I first came back, I just wanted to play NBL1 East for Albury and that was awesome,” she said.
“It paved the way for me to get back here again a couple of years later. To be playing under my best mate is pretty exciting.
“This is the roses for me, I get to play in front of my family, with the people I love, and just have to fun. I’m going to enjoy it.”
The Bandits will next hit the court when they host Sutherland on Saturday, April 13 at 5:30pm AEDT.
