Lauren Jackson's Role in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational

Lauren Jackson, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and one of Australia's most accomplished basketball players, is currently serving as an ambassador for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational. This event, held in Singapore from June 25-29, is the NBA's first regional high school basketball tournament, featuring teams from 11 countries across the Asia-Pacific. Jackson will be joined by current NBA players and fellow Hall of Famer Yao Ming on the event's panel of mentors.

Australian Women in the WNBA

Jackson has been closely following the careers of Australian women in the WNBA. She praised Alanna Smith's all-round dominance with the Minnesota Lynx, Sami Whitcomb's shooting skills with the Phoenix Mercury, and Bec Allen's integration with the Chicago Sky. She also highlighted Ezi Magbegor's performance with the Seattle Storm, noting her potential to surpass Jackson's own records.

The Future of the WNBL

Jackson's influence extends to the WNBL, where she has been a dominant force. She discussed the league's new ownership and her role as a special advisor, emphasizing the importance of creating a product that attracts viewers and improves conditions for athletes. She also mentioned the potential for more WNBA stars to play in Australia during their off-seasons, which could significantly boost the league's profile.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Jackson's involvement in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational underscores her commitment to mentoring the next generation of basketball players. She expressed excitement about working with high school students and being part of an elite environment that showcases the best of the NBA and WNBA.

Quotes from Lauren Jackson

• "The career I had in the WNBA, obviously to go and be a representative of the WNBA is hugely important."
• "She's gonna get more than what I did... Ezi's doing incredible things."
• "We want to see the big stars here on our shores and, I think the impact Caitlin Clark, or having a Breanna Stewart, or A'ja Wilson... having someone like that play in Australia in one of our clubs would change the face of our game."

Conclusion

Lauren Jackson continues to be a pivotal figure in basketball, both in Australia and internationally. Her work with the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, her insights into the WNBA and WNBL, and her vision for the future of the sport highlight her enduring impact on the game.