SYDNEY (Australia) - A dream will unexpectedly come true for Ezi Magbegor when she lines up alongside the legendary Lauren Jackson in the Opals' FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup opener against France.

While the center will carry a massive chunk of responsibility on her own shoulders as one of Australia's in-form and most exciting players right now, Magbegor also can't wait to be part of the fairytale return to the tournament for her veteran teammate.

"Honestly, I think Lauren is the greatest basketballer – female or male – to come out of Australia." insisted the 23-year-old to Women's Health.

"She’s done amazing things for female sports, for Australian basketball. I didn’t think I’d get the chance to play with her again. And here we are, which is super exciting."

Indeed Magbegor is someone who feels strongly connected to several prominent Opals' stars who have walked the international path before her. She is also inspired by those in other sports who continue to enrich the reputation and tradition of Australian women's sport. 

She added: "What Cathy Freeman did was incredible and her legacy still carries on now. More recently, Ash Barty. I think her story and what she accomplished – and retiring and just knowing herself and knowing her body – was inspiring.

"They’re paving the way for females of the future. That’s important as an athlete, whether you want that or not. I think that’s something I’ve learned. You’re going to be a person in the media, a person who is highlighted in your sport, so you have to just carry that on your shoulders and be the best person and athlete you can."

After some exceptional performances at the Tokyo Olympics last year, some terrific WNBA displays of late and the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup tip-off now within touching distance, Magbegor's own profile has never been higher.

And, she is set to expand her role model status even further by also preparing to play in Europe for the first time once the dust settles on the action in Sydney. She will move to Hungary to lineup with reigning EuroLeague Women champions Sopron Basket.

"Europe is something I’ve always wanted to do," explained the center.

"The money is better there and it grows people’s game because you’re playing a lot, you’re practising twice a day. The competition is different. So, that was just the next step that I needed to take in my career.

"Winning the WNBL Championship with the Boomers was something I’ve wanted to achieve and then it was like, ‘it’s time to spread your wings.’ It was a hard decision.

"Playing in Australia, I’m home, I’m with my family, around my friends – [but] it was time to embark on my new journey. It’s pretty exciting."

But for now, there's only one thing at the top of the to-do list for Magbegor and that is the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. A teenager when she debuted at the flagship event four years ago, why she is excited to participate at another edition?

"Putting on the green and gold again, and playing and practising with a great team. We get to play in front of our family and friends – the last time we were able to do that was the [2018] Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast," she stated.

"A home World Cup isn’t something everyone is able to experience, so to have the crowd on your side is going to be amazing. I’m excited for that; to represent the country and to compete for a gold medal."

FIBA