Australia's greatest returns to the NBL1

The greatest player in Australian basketball history, Lauren Jackson, is returning to the NBL1. 

Jackson successfully made her comeback to basketball through the NBL1 East competition in 2022, winning the conference MVP and championship. 

Her success led her to make her return to the Opals, taking the bronze medal in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup – which was followed by her signing with the Southside Flyers in the WNBL. 

The Albury product returned from a six-year absence from the sport in 2022 with the Albury-Wodonga Bandits – where she averaged 31.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and a block per game for the championship side. 

Lauren Jackson is BACK ?

2?1? points
5? rebounds
5? triples
+2?4?#NBL1East @laurenej15 pic.twitter.com/tkkMfMa7I4

— NBL1 (@NBL1) April 23, 2022

Bandits coach Sam McDonald said he cannot wait to see Jackson back with the team. 

“It's great to have Lauren on board for the 2024 NBL1 East season. Lauren has been an unbelievable servant to basketball and it is exciting to know that our amazing supporters will get the opportunity to see her pull on a Bandits uniform yet again,” he told NBL1 Media. 

“On a personal level, it's very exciting to be able to work with Australia's greatest of all time, as we both strive to win another championship. I've seen first-hand how much Lauren has put in to get back on court and I can't wait to see how it translates when the 2024 NBL1 season kicks off.” 

Returning to the stadium named after her, Jackson added she’s excited to come back to the NBL1 East and reunite with her close friend and now head coach McDonald.

“I’m really excited to play for my home club again in BNSW NBL1 competition under a great basketball mind and even better friend, Sam McDonald,” she said.  

Stay up-to-date with all the latest NBL1 signings via the 2024 Roster Tracker here.