Jackson ecstatic for her Hall of Fame induction

GOLD COAST (Australia) - Lauren Jackson’s legend has reached another chapter.

And this time, her name will forever be etched into the annals of not only the Land Down Under but the entire hoops world following her selection to the ever prestigious Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

Arguably dubbed as the greatest Australian baller ever, Jackson will also be the first Aussie player in history to march into The Hall at Springfield, Massachusetts, USA – joining 2015 inductee and legendary coach Lindsay Gaze.

Jackson, 40, said she’s still in cloud nine for this latest feat in her illustrious basketball career spanning two decades, two countries, and countless accolades.

“To be recognized alongside such esteemed members of the basketball fraternity in the Class of 2021 is mind-blowing, and then the prospect of being inducted into the prestigious Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with legends and pioneers of our sport is just surreal,” Jackson said.

“Growing up I could only have dreamt of having the career that I have had, and I am thankful every day for the experiences and opportunities that basketball has given me.” she added,

Indeed, a simple kid with just big dreams from Albury, New South Wales has gone a long way, little did she know the indelible prints she had left in every step she made around the world.

After reigning supreme at home with four WNBL MVPs and four Grand Finals MVPs, Jackson took her act to the States with a dream of weaving the same dominance and winning mentality.

She did just that, taking the WNBA by literal storm after being picked by the Seattle Storm as the No. 1 overall pick in 2001.

Jackson carved her name into each one of the WNBA record books with three WNBA MVPs, two championships, Finals MVPs, a Rebounding Title, and Defensive Player of the Year awards along with multiple All-Star, Mythical Team, and All-Defensive Team citations.

Her No. 15 jersey was retired by Seattle and she was recognized as one of the WNBA Top 15 Greatest Players of All Time after a decorated career in 2012.

Jackson also represented Opals in flying colors, lifting the Australian women’s national team to four Olympic silver medals, Commonwealth Games gold, and a championship in the 2006 FIBA World Championships.

It’s only fitting that the Hall of Fame is the next stop for Jackson, who also serves as the Basketball Australia’s Head of Women in Basketball.

“Lauren is Australia’s greatest ever basketballer and a true pioneer of women’s sport. No other Australian basketballer has achieved the level of success that Lauren has, and her pending induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame is a reflection of her incredible accomplishments,” added Basketball Australia interim Chairman John Carey.

“The significance of this recognition cannot be understated, it’s a landmark day for Australian sport, and it’s only fitting that Lauren is set to become the first Australian athlete to be inducted as a player into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.”

Trailblazer. Icon. Myth. Legend. Mentor. Winner. The Greatest. Soon, Hall of Famer – for immortality.

Yes, Lauren Jackson is the name. But her greatest mission and achievement is only about to begin.

“I’m just a girl from country NSW who worked hard to be the best I could be and if that inspires others to follow in my footsteps and chase their own goals and aspirations, then that’s the most enriching award I can receive," she beamed.

FIBA