The No 1 pick in the WNBA draft last month, 19-year-old Jackson is also being pursued by teams in Australia and Europe.

Canberra Capitals are trying to re-sign Jackson for the next WNBL season, while clubs in Italy are also chasing her.

The WNBA season, which starts on May 28, is played in the Australian winter, while the WNBL and European leagues take place in summer.

"We have had an approach from the Capitals," Jackson's agent, Leo Karis, said.

"They are keen to talk about Lauren. Lauren is keen to extend her association with the Capitals.

"We have had approaches from Italy. One Italian club is determined to get her to play in Europe next season.

"It is highly unlikely. While we would never rule it out, Lauren is committed to playing in the Australian league."

NBA Australasia tried to set up a media conference at Sydney Airport tomorrow for Jackson's departure but the shy teenager declined.

"We are desperately trying to get her ready to leave. She's going to be away from home for four months," Karis said. "We are still working out her visa situation.

"Literally, she hasn't got time. We are trying frantically to get her off."

Jackson will arrive in Seattle five days after training camp began on May 2 and will have only three days to prepare for the Storm's pre-season games.

She will make her WNBA debut for the Storm when they play Phoenix Mercury at Seattle on May 31. The Mercury will include four Australians – Michele Timms, Trish Fallon, Michelle Cleary and Kristen Veal. The high number of Australians (20) playing in the WNBA has resulted in eight new faces being selected in the Opals team to compete in the East Asian Games in Japan later this month. Melbourne forward Michelle Brogan – who is not playing for Phoenix in the WNBA for personal reasons – is the only member of the squad who has played in a world championship or Olympic Games.

Suzy Batkovic, Tracey Braithwaite and Emily McInerny have played for Australia before, but not in major international competition.

The remainder of the 12-player squad will be making their international debuts in the East Asian Games, which start on May 19.

Sydney forward Belinda Snell has been signed by the Washington Mystics in the WNBA but will not join the team until after the Games.

"Life is full of opportunities and you always have to be ready to seize these chances," Opals coach Jan Stirling said.

"This is a great opportunity for these players to represent Australia."

The Opals squad is: Suzy Batkovic, Tracey Braithwaite, Michelle Brogan, Allie Douglas, Narelle Fletcher, Natalie Hughes, Emily McInerny, Alison O'Dwyer, Natalie Porter, Eleanor Sharp, Deanna Smith, Belinda Snell.

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