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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Meghan L. Hall

Why Rickea Jackson shouldn’t be overlooked in the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year race

Rickea Jackson WNBA Los Angeles Sparks Caitlin Clark Fever Sparks

Los Angeles Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson is a bucket, and more people should be talking about her.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Caitlin Clark will likely win Rookie of the Year. Still, I have something to get off my chest. I’m not trying to yell, but…RICKEA JACKSON SHOULD BE GETTING ROOKIE OF THE YEAR VOTES. There. I said it. WHEW. *deeeeep exhale*

To be clear, I’ve been in on Rickea since before she was drafted. Her exquisite set of skills is exactly why her WNBA draft stock rose in the weeks before she joined the Sparks. Jackson was an immediate boost off the bench, and since entering the starting lineup in May, she’s been HOOPING.

As a starter, Jackson has nine games with 15 points or more and 12 games with 50 percent shooting or better — totally WILD stuff.

Rickea’s high basketball IQ and athleticism make her dangerous on the court. She’s very smart with her shots; there’s little wasted shot selection or movement. (If you haven’t seen her trademark one-legged fade-away jumper, now’s a good time to start paying attention.)

However, Rickea’s not new to this. She’s true to this.

The former Tennessee Lady Volunteer has been playing at an elite level for months, and if the Sparks had a better record, more people would be screaming about Rickea. (At a minimum, she should be on the WNBA All-Rookie team, or fans might riot.)

So, in honor of the Rickea Jackson hype train that needs more members, here are six times of her balling out against WNBA teams this season:

More WNBA

Sophie Cunningham calls out WNBA refs over officiating following late-game ejection against the Lynx

Caitlin Clark nearly lost it after a Lexie Hull double entendre during a Fever postgame presser

DiJonai Carrington rips Fever fanbase for being the WNBA's 'nastiest fans'

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