While the last six Olympic gold medals have been won by USA Basketball, that competition at the top of the international women’s basketball standings is becoming stiffer, thanks to adversaries such as Spain, Japan, Nigeria, Canada and Australia, who Team USA defeated in the gold medal contest of the FIBA World Cup to win that tournament.
A new year is only a few days away. In addition to 2020 being a presidential election year (#TheWVotes2020) and a leap year, it is also an Olympic year – and another opportunity for Australia to claim that top spot that has eluded them for many a tournament.
Lauren Jackson, Basketball Australia’s head of women, spoke to Pick and Roll about a number of issues relating to women’s basketball in Australia, including the 2020 Games. Prior to competing under the Australian flag in Japan, the Opals will take part in a qualifying tournament in February.
The Opals have got an incredible opportunity coming up with the Olympics.
–Lauren Jackson, Basketball Australia’s head of women (per Pick and Roll)
You can’t look past Lizzie (Cambage) as the best player in the world right now; hopefully there’s a healthy team getting into the Olympics.
–Lauren Jackson, Basketball Australia’s head of women (per Pick and Roll)
In addition, she also spoke with the website about how women’s basketball is faring down under. The WNBL season is in full swing with teams such as the Southside Flyers, Deakin Melbourne Boomers, University of Canberra Capitals and Adelaide Lightning all as contenders.
The season itself has been incredible, I think the talent level of the athletes we have playing in our league is getting better each year.
–Lauren Jackson, Basketball Australia’s head of women (per Pick and Roll)
We’ve got WNBA stars over here, and we’ve got some European stars playing in the league.
–Lauren Jackson, Basketball Australia’s head of women (per Pick and Roll)
Jackson built a career as one of women’s basketball most notable from Australia and has been the head of women’s basketball for Basketball Australia for a year. She described her tenure as a “learning experience” and that there have been “different challenges and opportunities” along the way, but was optimistic about what 2020 has in store.
We’re really at a crossroads, and we’re trying to take the bull by the horns. 2020 is going to be an incredible year for women’s basketball.
–Lauren Jackson, Basketball Australia’s head of women (per Pick and Roll)
