By Chris Wilson

She's already Australia's best female basketballer, but former national coach Tom Maher says Canberra Capitals centre Lauren Jackson is also destined to become one of the sport's greatest leaders.

Maher, who coached the Australian Opals to bronze and silver Olympic medals, predicted Jackson would one day take over as captain of the national team.

Jackson, just 21, is not yet even captain of the Capitals. But having marvelled at her talent on a weekly basis this season, Maher said Jackson was a born leader.

"I see her being a future Opals captain and a leader on court. I think she could be right there in the mould of the great captains the Opals have had," Maher said.

"She's still a 21-year-old person but her basketball maturity is way above her years now."

However, Maher said captaincy was not a responsibility Jackson needed now.

"I'm somebody who likes to see the players who have been there for a lot of years get their chance and I don't think there's any rush. I'm not saying she should be captain now, but I think she should be one of the great captains," Maher said.

"Why burden her with that now? Let her just play. I'd just leave it to the older heads at the moment and let her be the superstar. "

Maher said Jackson's game against the Townsville Fire on Saturday showed her leadership qualities. The Capitals trailed by as many as 16 in the first half, until Jackson led a motivational comeback.

Jackson finished with 38 points, 21 rebounds and nine blocks as the Capitals booked a spot in their fourth successive grand final.

"Besides the stats, it's her winningness and her unrelenting commitment to get over the line; to just keep going and do what has to be done to win the game," Maher said. "She's very teamy; that's why the whole product is good. It's not just the wonderful player, she's unselfish and she's a committed team person."

Jackson has been unable to train this season because of stress fractures in her shin. Maher said it was one of his only disappointments during his one-season stint as Capitals coach.

"I've really missed not being able to practise with her because I was hoping to make some suggestions and work with her.

"There's only little things she's just terrific."