Former Opals star Lauren Jackson is open to a shock return to the court after she was named on the Albury Wodonga Bandits playing roster in Australia's newest basketball league, NBL1.
The three-time WNBA MVP and Australia legend, who retired from the game in 2016, has been named head coach of the women's side, and while she remains open to a comeback, coaching is her main focus.
"At this stage my 100 per cent focus is on being the best coach I can be and guiding my team to as many wins as possible," Jackson told NBL.com.au
"If my health allows to me to do so, I would love to pull on a Bandits uniform at some stage down the track."
The president of the Bandits, Steve Wright, said Jackson taking part of the NBL1 as a player-coach was never part of the original plans, but would be supportive if she made the decision to take to the court.
"When we offered Lauren the position of Head Coach it was with the understanding that she would be a non-playing coach," Wright said in a statement.
"We would love nothing more than to see Lauren out on the court with her team in the stadium that is named in her honour but that will be totally her call.
"Whatever Lauren decides is best for our team we will support her 100 per cent."
NBL1 launches on Friday night with 18 clubs across Southern Australia, featuring both men's and women's sides. The competition will be played out across 15 rounds and includes a four week finals series.
