Lauren Jackson's season is over before it began, with the Canberra Capitals confirming on Thursday that their marquee recruit has undergone season-ending surgery.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Australia's greatest female basketballer had an operation for a hamstring injury in Melbourne this week which will rule her out for the rest of the WNBL season.
Jackson was in the first year of a three-season, $1 million deal with the Capitals, but hasn't played a single game.
The Capitals have struggled in her absence, winning just five of their 16 games ahead of this weekend's double-header on the road against Adelaide and the West Coast Waves. The Capitals released a statement saying the four-time Olympian was expected to make a full recovery following the procedure with Dr David Young.
"Dr Young has advised that the surgery was highly successful, with several problems being addressed in relation to Lauren's hamstring injury and the medical opinion that she will make a full recovery," the statement read.
"Lauren has been released this morning and has been advised by Dr Young that she is to have complete rest for three weeks – at which point she is expected to be able to start a light rehabilitation program.
"Lauren will be monitored over the next few weeks to gauge the progress of her recovery."
The four-time Olympian said she was confident she would return to her best.
“I'm very happy that I've now had this operation, and I'm delighted with the medical opinion that I should be able to make a full recovery," Jackson said.
Basketball ACT Chief Executive Officer Tony Jackson had no doubt Lauren Jackson would return to play for the Capitals in the next year of her contract, which is the 2014-15 season.
“While we're obviously disappointed that we won't see Lauren back on the court this season, we're pleased this surgery has gone well and that we've got some clarity and positivity surrounding her injury," Tony Jackson said.
“Lauren adds tremendous value to the profile of the Canberra Capitals, and we're heartened to hear she'll make a full recovery so she can play for the team in future seasons."
Acting Basketball Australia chief executive Graeme Allen said, “We've said from the start that Lauren's long-term career sustainability is top priority here.
“Basketball Australia will support Lauren in any way we can through her rehabilitation and we wish her a speedy recovery back to 100 per cent fitness.”
