Sparks Rookie Rickea Jackson Deserves Attention
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For all the talk about Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, there is another first-year player who may be flying under the radar. Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks. Rickea hasn't even been the most talked about rookie on her own team, but she has certainly stepped up following the unfortunate injury to Cameron Brink.
Rickea Jackson kicked off the month with a strong start, averaging (16.0) points, (5.7) rebounds, and (3.3) assists per game in Week 8.
β I talk hoops π (@trendyhoopstars) July 8, 2024
She scored her first-ever 20-point performance in the WNBA against the Phoenix Mercury, showcasing her growing confidence on the court. Earlier⦠pic.twitter.com/w5drEVVC6R
Jackson has proven herself to be a legitimate scorer at the professional level, averaging 15 points per contest over her last four games. Rickea is also shooting at a strong clip, hitting 45% of her attempts overall and 36% from three. She had 22 points in the team's most recent game, a loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
Rickea Jackson is having herself a game vs Phoenix !!
β Vanshay Murdock π₯π₯ (@VanshayM) July 8, 2024
She has 20 points/4 rebounds.
4th quarter coming up! #WNBA pic.twitter.com/BthZhU6lwZ
Jackson has shown an ability to get all the way to the rim, is comfortable getting to her pull-up game, and as referenced before is stroking the ball well from deep. She started the season in a reserve role but seems to be getting more and more comfortable as a starter every game. Sparks coach Curt Miller clearly sees her potential because he said this after the outing against the Mercury. "She had a good game. I think it could have been even more of a monster game.β
This is what Rickea Jackson does ππ€·ββοΈ#IONWNBA | @LASparks pic.twitter.com/hhrSWGLKiw
β WNBA on ION (@IONWNBA) July 6, 2024
Jackson was the fourth pick in the WNBA Draft out of Tennessee. She averaged over 20 points in her final season en route to a back-to-back first team All-SEC selection. That ability to get buckets is now being shown in the W for LA. With more on the way.