Aussie great Jackson named among Hall of Fame finalists

Australian great Lauren Jackson has been named among the finalists for the 2021 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Lauren Jackson reacts after a match for Australia at the 2012 Olympics Source: Getty Images

A three-time WNBA MVP and seven-time All-Star, Jackson is one of nine first-time finalists and 14 overall, including NBA legends Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce and Bill Russell.

Jackson was a dominant player during her career and represented Australia at four Olympic Games as the Opals won three silver medals (2000, 2004 and 2008), a bronze (2012) and gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

The 39-year-old led the Seattle Storm to two WNBA championships in 2004 and 2010, having also claimed Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honours.

Her overseas accomplishments were equally mirrored on home soil, too, with Jackson named both WNBL MVP and Grand Final MVP on four occasions.

While the enshrinement ceremony is scheduled to take place in September, Jackson will learn of her potential election on May 16.