Australia’s greatest ever basketballer, Lauren Jackson will be making a sensational return to the sport this year via Coles Express NBL1 East, playing for the Albury Wodonga Bandits.
The Bandits will be injected with a resume like no other, with Jackson boasting a record as a three-time WNBA MVP, four-time Olympian, five-time WNBL champion and seven-time WNBA All-Star.
Originally from Albury, the 40-year-old will return to the place where it all started for her, as well as get the opportunity to play in her own stadium- the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.
Albury Wodonga Bandits President Luke Smith said it was an honour to be able to welcome Jackson home this year.
"We’re just over the moon that Lauren’s playing for her hometown and her home club.
"It’s huge for the Albury Wodonga Bandits and for the Albury Wodonga community.
"I think it’s going to be a really big year and we’re really looking forward to her playing in a stadium named after herself and in front of her friends, family and her two boys.
"They’re at the age where they’ll be able to remember seeing their Mum play, not only basketball, but basketball at home too."
After a tough run in the COVID-impacted NBL1 South last year, the Bandits will embark on a new adventure in the inaugural NBL1 East competition this season.
Jackson is set to play an important role in developing the Bandits’ young talent as they look to move further up the ladder in 2022.
"Our young players are going to have a massive opportunity to play and train with arguably the world’s best-ever female basketball player," Smith said.
"It’s huge for them, it’s huge for every kid and it’s huge for every basketball player in Albury Wodonga."
The NBL1 East season commences on Saturday, April 2, with the Bandits playing their first home game of the season at Lauren Jackson Sports Centre on Saturday, April 9 against the Illawarra Hawks.
