Large winner of China (83-61) in the World Cup final this Saturday morning, Team USA reaffirmed its supremacy in world women’s basketball. But the greatest moment is undoubtedly the one that took place before this final. In front of her home crowd, the legendary Lauren Jackson carried Australia to a bronze medal, all at the age of 41 and for her very last match in her international career. An exit through the very large door!
Six years ago, when she put an end to her career because of countless glitches in the knee, Lauren Jackson probably did not think she would end on such a high note. She probably didn’t imagine herself with a bronze medal around her neck, in front of son audience in Sydney, after delivering a final masterclass.
And yet, that is what just happened.
This Saturday morning, Lauren Jackson guided Australia to a 95-65 victory in the 2022 World Cup third place match against Canada: 30 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, all at 11/16 in shooting and 8/9 in free throws for 35 evaluation in just 21 minutes. Under the eyes of Pau Gasol in particular, the 41-year-old Australian proved one last time why she was one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. She took the opportunity to equal the record for the number of matches played in the Women’s World Cup (43 in all, tied with the Brazilian Janeth Dos Santos Arcain), and even to surpass the great Diana Taurasi in the number of points scored in matches. counting for a medal (Taurasi had stopped at 63). But more than the stats and records, what we will remember above all is the emotion that accompanied this moment. A moment that will remain clearly engraved in the memory of Lauren and all the supporters present in Sydney wanting to pay tribute to her for all that she has brought to Australian basketball.
Australia loves you Lauren! ????????
Lauren Jackson checks out of the game for the last time to raucous applause and a few tears ????#FIBAWWC | @aus_opals pic.twitter.com/H0kzXeSyep
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) October 1, 2022
“I was very emotional before the match thinking of the sacrifices made by my family and my children to allow me to be there. This podium is the perfect way to top it all off. »
– Lauren Jackson, after the game
Putting on the sneakers last April with the small club Albury Wodonga Bandits (in a semi-pro league in New South Wales), Lauren Jackson was able to end her international career on her own terms. An end that is at the height of his fabulous career. Three-time WNBA MVP (2003, 2007, 2010), two-time champion (2004, 2010), one-time Finals MVP (2010), three-time U.S. Championship scorer (2003, 2004, 2007), as well as best rebounder and WNBA defender (2007), the Australian won almost everything in the country of Uncle Sam under the colors of the Seattle Storm. You also add to that a great track record in the WNBL – the Australian championship which she won five times, with four Finals MVP titles and four MVP titles – as well as a magnificent international career with eight medals in total including one gold at the 2006 World Cup and three silver at the Olympics (2000, 2004, 2008), and you get a well-deserved place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Six years after her retirement and twelve years after her last appearance with the Australian national team, Lauren Jackson has won her bet to come back, at over 40 years old, after all the hardships she has known physically but also mental challenges. If she was certainly discreet during a large part of the competition, she had saved the best for the end and can now leave in peace, to enjoy her two boys. Bye bye legend!
Thank you for all the memories, legend ????????
????????????#FIBAWWC x @FIBAWWC https://t.co/ChiWakX6Sn pic.twitter.com/mCgGW4KEfi
– FIBA (@FIBA) October 1, 2022