Opals can win gold in Rio: Jackson

Lauren Jackson has no doubt the Opals can win a first Olympic women's basketball gold medal without her.

Forced into retirement by injury five months short of the Games after a brilliant career that yielded three Olympic silver medals and a bronze since 2000, Jackson remained adamant the Opals had the talent and leadership to make history in Rio.

Realistically, 34-year-old Jackson's persistent injuries would have meant a severely reduced Olympic role this time around anyway.

She said coach Brendan Joyce's quality battery of fellow forwards, led by veteran Penny Taylor, giant centre Liz Cambage and powerhouse Suzy Batkovic, was more than capable of picking up any slack.

"Penny's going to lead the way," said Jackson.

"Penny's an amazing player and leader ... and then there's Suzy (Batkovic) and Liz Cambage - this girl could be the best there ever was and she might be.

"I fully believe that this Opals team is more than capable of winning gold. They've got the leadership, they've got the coach, they've got the players."