SYDNEY (AP) — Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson will miss the first half of the 2012 WNBA season to concentrate on Australia’s buildup for the London Olympics.
Jackson said Wednesday she had reached an arrangement with the Storm which would allow her to spend May, June and July 2012 in Australia preparing for the Olympics. The Australian women’s team, including Jackson, won the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Basketball Australia said it hoped other Australian players in the WNBA would follow Jackson’s lead in coming weeks.
In a statement released through Basketball Australia, Jackson said she was excited about having Australia’s games preparation as “my only priority and commitment” in early 2012.
Jackson will rejoin the Storm after the Olympics.
