Live Bar, October 19 -essp reporter Kane Pitman recently interviewed Australian women’s basketball player Lauren Jackson, who played a representative match in the national team curtain call in the women’s basketball World Cup.
Two and a half weeks have passed since the Women’s Basketball World Cup. The tough and controversial ten-day schedule has cost the whole team a lot. When talking about preparing for the third place, Lauren Jackson said: “We played very late with the Chinese team the night before, lost and missed the championship. My teammates, we are all a little broken, everyone is a little depressed.”
“We only have 14-15 hours of turnaround time. I was tired and felt a little painful when preparing. My mother told me that when preparing for the war that morning, my teammates and I were not very excited. Then something suddenly appeared in my mind. I realized that this was one of the greatest opportunities I had ever had. This was my last game for Australia, to enjoy it, spend the best time.” Lauren Jackson continued.
“My mentality changed completely in a few seconds. At that moment, I felt a little emotional fluctuation, because at that moment, it was like “Oh my God, we have to play the game”, and then my thoughts changed. Usually I need a minute to adjust, but at that moment my mentality changed, but it was not reasonable.” Lauren Jackson added.
Speaking of the game, Lauren Jackson said: “During the game, I will try turnaround jump shot every game. Although there is a loss, I feel very good. This bodes well for me, so when I hit the first jump shot, I felt very good and I didn’t need to end up.”
“I am very eager to help the team win a medal. I didn’t think too much, I was just playing. Once in the game, my teammates looked at me and were about to pass the ball, but she hesitated. After that, I told her that I had no problem, and then my teammates began to feed me the ball constantly.”
In the third place match, Lauren Jackson played 21 minutes (the highest in this World Cup personally) and scored 30 points and 7 rebounds in 11 of the 16 shots, helping Australia win Canada and win the third place. Although she only played 9.9 minutes in this World Cup, her free throw shooting rate was the highest in the team (22 out of 27).
“I think it is an honor to participate in the competition. No matter what my role is, I will accept it and play my best role. Whether it is cheering, support or positive performance, no matter what the team needs. Even if I only have three or five minutes on the court, I will do what belongs to me. I didn’t discuss the game with the coach after the game. I got what I deserved. I’m glad the coach let me play the last game.” Lauren Jackson said, “This is an art, you must learn it. I think I will not be so flexible as I grow older, so I must find other advantages. For me, returning to the stadium is a motivation in itself. Over the past few months, I have been trying to use my body better. My mother always tells me to use rules and play basketball wisely.”
Lauren Jackson also promised that he would join the Southern flying team (Southside Flyers) in the upcoming WNBL new season.
“I’m not ready to play again.” Lauren Jackson explained, “I still have one week to adjust my status. I can’t play back to back. If I do that, I may not even be able to walk. I will meet the team in a week and hope to return to the court soon.”
“I just want to have fun and enjoy every moment. My children are nearby, in Melbourne, close to home. Of course I want the champion. The champion is the problem. I can’t wait to shoot. I hope my field goal percentage can soar.” Lauren Jackson said with a smile.
Lauren Jackson announced his retirement in 2016. In 2021, Lauren Jackson was elected to the Hall of Fame. In 2022, Lauren Jackson, 41, announced his return to the national team.
(Stan)