UAlbany Women’s Basketball’s Megan Craig Joins New Zealand in Bid for a FIBA World Championship Berth

ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany junior center Megan Craig made the New Zealand women’s senior team and will join the Tall Ferns as they take on Australia on Aug. 14.

Craig was one of seven new players named to the roster, and the only newcomer with experience playing in the United States. No. 2 Australia and No. 22 New Zealand will compete for the FIBA Oceania Championship title and an automatic spot in the FIBA World Championship.

Craig will be matched up against Australia’s Lauren Jackson in the post. Jackson has won three Olympic silver medals with Australia in 2000, 2004 and 2008 and was the flag bearer in the 2012 Olympics in London. Jackson was taken by the Seattle Storm as the first overall pick in the 2001 WNBA draft, and continued her career there through the 2012 season.

“It’s exciting, getting to play against one of the best caliber teams in the world,” Craig told the Fairfax New Zealand News. “It’s the best way to grow as a player and we can only learn from the experience. Lauren Jackson is one of the best players in the world, so it’s a frightening prospect but also a great way to develop as a player.”

“This is such a great accomplishment for Megan to go back and play for her national team,” said UAlbany head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson. “We’re extremely excited for her.”