FORMER Capital and current WNBA all-star Lauren Jackson will base herself in Canberra until the end of the year as she recovers from two stress fractures in her back. Jackson arrived in the capital last week after the injury prematurely ended her WNBA season in the United States with the Seattle Storm. She will do her rehabilitation at the Australian Institute of Sport and hopes to be fit and ready to take to the court in Europe by December.

The 28-year-old – who is widely regarded as the world’s best player – was an interested onlooker as her former teammates lost to the Bulleen Boomers 88-73 at the AIS Arena yesterday. While she won’t be able to answer an SOS to bolster the Capitals’ squad while Abby Bishop is injured, she said a return to the WNBL was in her future plans. And in an ominous warning to her international rivals, Jackson said she still had not produced her best basketball. ‘‘I don’t think I’m at my peak just yet so I’m hoping this break can get me ready to keep going,’’ she said. ‘‘I’m only 28, a lot of players peak when they’re 29, 30, 31 and I’ve got a lot of good time to look forward to. ‘‘

This [back injury] was a freak accident and I’m going to keep playing and enjoying it all I can and I won’t be slowing down. ‘‘I’ll definitely play back in the WNBL eventually but who knows when that will be. ‘‘I love Canberra, it was my home for my long time and I enjoy it here.’’ Despite missing eight games through injury, Jackson still won selection on the WNBA all-star team for a sixth time and earned a $10,000 bonus. She has agreed to – but not signed – a two-year contract extension with Seattle and will also continue playing in Europe for Spartak Russia.

For more, pick up a copy of Today's Canberra Times.