Lauren Jackson

Australian basketball great Lauren Jackson is set to rejoin the national team at the age of 41 in a bid for another world championship medal.

“Once I step foot on a basketball court I’m pretty confident, it just comes naturally and has always just been part of who I am. “It kind of feels like I’m a kid again vying for a position,” Jackson told the newspaper. She also won league titles in Australia, Spain and Russia as well as three Olympic silver and one bronze, plus a gold and two bronze medals at the world championships.

Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson ends her nine-year international retirement to join the Opals's squad for this year's World Cup in Sydney.

- Lauren Jackson says she is a "little bit scared but excited" to be returning to the Opals Champion Australian basketballer Lauren Jackson will come out of her nine-year international retirement to join the Opals' squad for this year's World Cup. Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson to come out of international retirement to join Opals' World Cup squad

The lure of a second world title has brought Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson out of international retirement.

“Once I step foot on a basketball court I’m pretty confident, it just comes naturally and has always just been part of who I am. “It kind of feels like I’m a kid again vying for a position. “I’ve been very cautious from day dot, not to get over excited or put any pressure on myself.

Australian basketball great Lauren Jackson is set to rejoin the national team at the age of 41 in a bid for another world championship medal.

“Once I step foot on a basketball court I’m pretty confident, it just comes naturally and has always just been part of who I am. Jackson was a three-time scoring champion and won two WNBA championships in 11 seasons with the Seattle Storm and was named finals MVP in 2010. “It kind of feels like I’m a kid again vying for a position,” Jackson told the newspaper.

The lure of a second world title has brought Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson out of international retirement. Jackson, 41, will join an Opals.

It’s reality now and getting into the mind frame again of competing to wear the green and gold again.” “I’ve been very cautious from day dot, not to get over excited or put any pressure on myself. “In terms of my talent and ability to get out there and score buckets, people know I can do that, but I think it’s the other stuff that’s going to make a difference.” “With my size, height and experience in the game I think what I can bring to the team is invaluable in terms of leadership,” she said. Jackson was the event ambassador for the World Cup and her addition to the Opals squad is a massive boost for the event. “I never expected to get to this point so every day I get past here is a blessing and I truly feel like one of the luckiest people in the world to be getting another shot after the way my career ended,” Jackson told News Corp.

When the Opals prepare to host the upcoming FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, Australia's most decorated basketball player will be vying for a roster spot.

- Two-time WNBA champion (2004, 2010) - Three-time WNBA MVP (2003, 2007, 2010) "There are lots of questions about the World Cup but for now it's one step at a time."

Australian basketball great Lauren Jackson is set to rejoin the national team at the age of 41 in a bid for another world championship medal, ...

"Once I step foot on a basketball court I'm pretty confident, it just comes naturally and has always just been part of who I am. She also won league titles in Australia, Spain and Russia as well as three Olympic silver and one bronze, plus a gold and two bronze medals at the world championships. "It kind of feels like I'm a kid again vying for a position," Jackson told the newspaper.

The Australian basketball icon gave a cheeky indication when pressed on the rumours by Sunrise presenter Mark Beretta.

“Once I step foot on a basketball court I’m pretty confident, it just comes naturally and has always just been part of who I am. “It kind of feels like I’m a kid again vying for a position. “I’ve been very cautious from day dot, not to get over excited or put any pressure on myself.

The return of Opals royalty Lauren Jackson to the national squad after a nine-year absence is a boon for a team seeking to rebuild a winning culture.

“Just seeing how her body has been able to hold up and how strong she’s become. But now, he’s confident she’s “good to go”. “It has been a really quick turnaround. Cambage had an acrimonious exit from the Opals, with allegations that she hurled racist abuse at Nigeria players in a heated pre-Olympics scrimmage. It has just evolved to where we are today and it’s now like why not? I am not getting my hopes up as there are so many girls chasing that spot.

The return of Opals royalty Lauren Jackson to the national squad after a nine-year absence is a boon for a team seeking to rebuild a winning culture.

“Just seeing how her body has been able to hold up and how strong she’s become. But now, he’s confident she’s “good to go”. “It has been a really quick turnaround. Cambage had an acrimonious exit from the Opals, with allegations that she hurled racist abuse at Nigeria players in a heated pre-Olympics scrimmage. It has just evolved to where we are today and it’s now like why not? I am not getting my hopes up as there are so many girls chasing that spot.