Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been the standouts in the 2024 rookie class, but there are other promising rookies as well. In particular, Sparks forward Rickea Jackson has been performing exceptionally well recently. Though the Sparks have been a struggling young team they appear to have two key young players they can build around in Cameron Brink, who was injured earlier this season, and Rickea Jackson. Like most young guards she struggled to be consistent early on in the season as she adjusted to the WNBA level. Over time as her minutes increased and her role on the team solidified, she has proven herself as a solid scorer and impactful defensively.
Jackson is currently averaging 12.4 points per game this season, in August she averaged 16.2 and had her best performance of her rookie campaign on Sunday. In a 113-110 loss to the Dallas Wings, Jackson did all she could to keep her team in the game as she finished with a team-high 25 points. She also made history becoming the first rookie to score 25 points, make 6 three-pointers, and block three shots in a single game. Despite the Sparks record, Jackson has been a bright spot for them this season as she has scored 12 or more points in eight straight games. She has played 34 minutes or more in four consecutive games, demonstrating the coaching staff's confidence in her evolving skills.
Rickea Jackson is rapidly emerging as a WNBA star, despite not yet being widely recognized, her performance on the court speaks for itself. Although she is not in contention for Rookie of the Year, her potential is extremely high, as she has progressed in her game faster than almost any other rookie, except Caitlin Clark. In what has already been a historic draft class for the WNBA, Jackson has not only the talent to be the second-best rookie in the 2024 class but also the potential to become a prominent figure in the league for years to come.
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