Opals stand-in coach Cheryl Chambers has warned her rival Lauren Jackson that she is fitter than ever as the Australian basketball great approaches her fifth Olympic Games.
Jackson has come out of retirement to chase Olympic gold and took another step towards Paris with a solid performance in the Opals’ 94-66 win over China in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
The 43-year-old’s statistics – 13 points, three rebounds, two steals and one assist – were unremarkable in a game that will help shape Australia’s final 12-man playing squad.
But the fact that she spent more than 21 minutes on the court, marginally bettered only by two teammates, was a more important indication of her preparation for Paris.
Jackson is expected to play a major role again when the Opals conclude the China series on Friday night.
“I think she’s fitter than she’s ever been… it’s crazy,” Chambers said after Wednesday’s big win.
“Our fitness guy says she does things that are just incredible.
“And I guess she has to be, I mean, age is not on her side.
“She has some incredible skills and to keep her body in shape she has to be fit.
“Hats off to their discipline in doing that.”
Jackson’s recovery from serious injuries last year and her return to the court after previously announcing her retirement from the national team are inspiring her Opals teammates in their quest for Olympic glory.
“Loz is incredible with the career she has had and what she has repeatedly accomplished on the world stage,” said defense attorney Alice Kunek.
“She’s someone I’ve looked up to my entire career. Playing alongside her and seeing what she does is an inspiration to me.”
Young defender Isobel Borlase was born in 2004, after Jackson had already won the second of four Olympic medals and played four WNBA seasons.
“I don’t think any of us could have imagined that we would be playing with Lauren (at this point),” Borlase said.
“She shows in training, in the gym and in the game that she is simply the best.
“She works hard and takes care of her body, so it’s great to look up to her.”
The Opals will be missing seven stars who will compete in the WNBA season during the China series.
Ezi Magbegor, Sami Whitcomb, Steph Talbot, Rebecca Allen, Alanna Smith, Kristy Wallace and Jade Melbourne are all in the squad for the Games.
The selected participants will attend a training camp in Spain with their teammates this month before the team heads to Paris.