Basketball NSW excited to acknowledge Jackson’s hoops impact

This Sunday, the Sydney Flames and Southside Flyers will lock horns in a crucial round 14 clash at Qudos Bank Arena from 3pm.

The game will be about more than just who wins or loses though, as it will give NSW a chance to acknowledge the impact Lauren Jackson – one of the state’s greatest produced athletes – has made on not only basketball but sport.

Few can appreciate that better than Basketball NSW chief executive officer Maria Nordstrom.

“Lauren is a one-in-a-century type of athlete – the way she’s built combined with her winning mindset and team-first approach,” said Nordstrom, who credits Jackson for also putting NBL1 East on the map thanks to her exceptional play with the Border Bandits.

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“Lauren is without a doubt a beacon and icon for young basketballers in this state to aspire to be like, especially now that she’s come back to play, so the stars of tomorrow can see her in person.

“Just look at the current Flames team for example, NSW juniors like Loz [Nicholson], Lara [McSpadden], Vanessa [Panousis], Isla [Juffermans] and Caitlyn [Martin] have had different outlooks of what’s possible in their career by seeing and playing against Lauren.

“She’s also had a had impact on making the ‘I Am A Girl’ program what it is today, giving all young female players a pathway to follow in her and all the other professional athletes’ footsteps.”

THE GOAT SPEAKS 🗣️@laurenej15 can’t wait to see everyone at @qudosbankarena on Sunday, February 18 for our blockbuster clash with the @SouthsideFlyers.

Grab your 🎟️ now 👉 https://t.co/bHqUp2fryf#FlameOn #WeAreWNBL pic.twitter.com/ZrlacE2DAI

— Sydney Flames (@TheSydneyFlames) February 5, 2024

Nordstrom went on to credit the Hoops Capital club for holding an event like this, where fans can thank Jackson for all she’s given this country, on and off the court.

“To allow fans the opportunity to take part in events like this, in a big setting like Qudos Bank Arena, and celebrate all that Lauren’s achieved, will be exceptional,” she said.

“She’s obviously got strong ties to NSW, being born in Albury, but also having so many fond memories in Sydney, such as the 2000 Olympic Games and 2022 FIBA World Cup.

“So it just feels right being able to celebrate Lauren this week and allow as many people as possible to share it.”

Tickets to the Sunday, February 18 blockbuster are still available here.