Opals captain Tess Madgen reveals Opals player primed to ‘carry the torch’ from Lauren Jackson
Opals captain Tess Madgen has anointed Ezi Magbegor as the player to “carry the torch” when the legendary Lauren Jackson retires from international basketball post the Paris Olympics.
Speaking on the latest En Route to Paris podcast, Madgen pinpointed Magbegor as the future face of the Opals program.
The Seattle Storm WNBA centre is coming off a successful EuroLeague stint with Czech club, USK Prague.
Magbegor made the All-EuroLeague First Team after leading the league in blocks per game (2.4), while she was ranked third in rebounds per game (8.1) and equal seventh in field goal percentage (51.3).
She was also second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Magbegor’s recent success has prompted Madgen to hail the 24-year-old as the player to fill Jackson’s giant-sized sneakers once she finally hangs them up.
“Ezi got MVP of our Olympic qualifying tournament in Brazil and I think she is coming into her own as well,” Madgen said.
“The basketball world really is her oyster – she is playing really strong basketball.
“So whenever the time does come for Lauren to retire, we hope to do her proud and continue that Opals legacy.”
For now, Jackson is showing no signs of slowing down.
Opals’ Paris Olympic Games Squad
Rebecca Allen, Zitina Aokuso, Georgia Amoore, Amy Atwell, Chloe Bibby, Isobel Borlase, Keely Froling, Darcee Garbin, Cayla George, Shyla Heal, Lauren Jackson, Alice Kunek, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Anneli Maley, Jade Melbourne, Lauren Nicholson, Stephanie Reid, Maddison Rocci, Lauren Scherf, Alex Sharp, Alanna Smith, Stephanie Talbot, Marianna Tolo, Kristy Wallace, Sami Whitcomb.
*All players are subject to availability and fitness
Ahead of her 43rd birthday on Saturday, the FIBA Hall of Famer continues to dominate the NBL1 competition with her hometown Albury-Wodonga Bandits.
Jackson dropped a remarkable 42 points and added 22 rebounds in the Bandits’ big win over the Maitland Mustangs last round.
She is also currently leading the entire women’s NBL1 competition in scoring with 33.1 points per game.
Madgen, who can’t wait to play alongside Jackson in Paris, believes the iconic centre will go down as the greatest Australian basketballer ever.
“I love when people talk about the best basketballer, because it’s like in any sport, everyone always thinks of a male,” she said.
“But Lauren is undoubtedly the best basketballer we’ve had in this country.
“She has done everything there is to do in basketball. She’s incredible.
“Just having someone with that fierce competitor inside – that’s innate. Like you can’t teach it to someone.
“She makes my life so much easier. She is so tough and so clutch.
“We saw that in the WNBL this season (with Southside) and I just absolutely love her and I love what she’s done for basketball in Australia, especially in this comeback. She’s definitely elevated women’s basketball again.”
SOURCE: NEWS.COM
