David EdwardsJackson Ready For The NBL, But Is The NBL Ready For Jackson?
November 30th 2006 12:15
Lauren Jackson, one of the best basketballers, for either gender, has announced that after her stint playing for the Australian Opals and the WNBA she would be interested in competing in the domestic league, the Phillips Championship NBL, to finish off her career.
The most decorated, and arguably the most talented, player to ever come from our shores has commented that before she retires she would be interested in competing against the big boys in the twilight of her career. And the NBL have responded to her suggestion with open arms, commenting that if any clubs were able to fit her within their points and salary caps, then they would be more than welcome to allow the international player play.
Now this is a hot topic. Broaching on the gender issues in sport, so before anyone starts sharpening their pointed sticks and burning an effigy on my thoughts, here me out.
Of course Lauren Jackson is one of the most talented players ever to come out of Australia, and she would be able to easily match up against many of the players in the NBL skills wise, and maybe rise head and shoulders above them.
But there is a more complex matter at hand. Most of the other sports where it has been a mixed gender competing have been strictly non-contact. Golf, tennis, cricket and surfing included. These sports are ideal to see who is the best between the two sexes, and more often than not the women are able to confidently match up against the men.
But basketball is a completely different issue. Whilst it is technically a ‘non contact’ sport, there is still a lot of impact and agression in the game. Players get knocked, thrown around and pushed all around the court, and there can be a lot of physical contact within this ‘non contact’ sport.
Now this leads to the problem. There are two situations that could occur. If Jackson took the court, then most of her opponents would treat her differently because she was a female, and probably not be as aggressive towards her as to her teammates. Or they could play against her like they would against anyone of her calibre, and might limit her to only a fraction of what she is capable of.
Now I am not saying that she couldn’t compete against the boys, or that she wouldn’t be able to perform as effective like she does in the WNBA, but it would be a whole different ballgame. Jackson could find it a lot harder than in the international competition, and it could be an horrible way to end a career.
Now I could be completely wrong on this situation, and Lauren Jackson could actually mop the floor with the best in the NBL, she does have the skills and talent to really be the best in the competition, but it could be a horrible mistake. The media stunt would be huge, and it would definitely get the domestic competition noticed around the world, but it might be a novelty that could misfire in their face.
Until next time, sports minds.
The most decorated, and arguably the most talented, player to ever come from our shores has commented that before she retires she would be interested in competing against the big boys in the twilight of her career. And the NBL have responded to her suggestion with open arms, commenting that if any clubs were able to fit her within their points and salary caps, then they would be more than welcome to allow the international player play.
Now this is a hot topic. Broaching on the gender issues in sport, so before anyone starts sharpening their pointed sticks and burning an effigy on my thoughts, here me out.
Of course Lauren Jackson is one of the most talented players ever to come out of Australia, and she would be able to easily match up against many of the players in the NBL skills wise, and maybe rise head and shoulders above them.
But there is a more complex matter at hand. Most of the other sports where it has been a mixed gender competing have been strictly non-contact. Golf, tennis, cricket and surfing included. These sports are ideal to see who is the best between the two sexes, and more often than not the women are able to confidently match up against the men.
But basketball is a completely different issue. Whilst it is technically a ‘non contact’ sport, there is still a lot of impact and agression in the game. Players get knocked, thrown around and pushed all around the court, and there can be a lot of physical contact within this ‘non contact’ sport.
Now this leads to the problem. There are two situations that could occur. If Jackson took the court, then most of her opponents would treat her differently because she was a female, and probably not be as aggressive towards her as to her teammates. Or they could play against her like they would against anyone of her calibre, and might limit her to only a fraction of what she is capable of.
Now I am not saying that she couldn’t compete against the boys, or that she wouldn’t be able to perform as effective like she does in the WNBA, but it would be a whole different ballgame. Jackson could find it a lot harder than in the international competition, and it could be an horrible way to end a career.
Now I could be completely wrong on this situation, and Lauren Jackson could actually mop the floor with the best in the NBL, she does have the skills and talent to really be the best in the competition, but it could be a horrible mistake. The media stunt would be huge, and it would definitely get the domestic competition noticed around the world, but it might be a novelty that could misfire in their face.
Until next time, sports minds.
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