WHY WAS RICKEA JACKSON PICKED BEFORE ANGEL REESE AT 2024 WNBA DRAFT?

The Los Angeles Sparks selected Tennessee star Rickea Jackson with their No. 4 pick ahead of Angel Reese and Aaliyah Edwards in the WNBA Draft as the forward’s all-around offensive game proved too much to resist.

While Reese and Edwards were two of the biggest names and brightest talents in the draft, neither is necessarily suited to be a leading scorer at this stage. With an ability to score from anywhere, Jackson is certainly equipped and stood out as the best sharpshooting forward among the class' upper echelon. The Sparks also took Cameron Brink at No. 2.

The 23-year-old appears ready to step up to the professional arena following her incredible college career with the Vols. At 6-foot-2, Jackson led the SEC in scoring, as she put up 20.2 points per game and added 8.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

She also shot 78 percent from the free-throw line and 48.5 percent from the floor, the Detroit-born forward establishing herself as one of the elite scorers in the game. Jackson faced adversity too, overcoming a leg injury to star for Tennessee.

When the lights shone brightest, Jackson excelled. She averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds per game against ranked teams to boost her draft stock and make her an incredibly intriguing WNBA prospect.

Jackson is also a high-energy and effective defensive player, as well as an unstoppable shot creator. With her strength, Jackson seems physically ready to play in the WNBA and will be able to score immediately, even if she still has elements of her game that needs refining to become a superstar in the league.

Throughout her illustrious Tennessee career, Jackson totaled 2,261 points over 127 college games. Her scoring prowess ranks sixth among all-time scorers for the Lady Vols, narrowly trailing three-time WNBA champion and two-time MVP Candace Parker.

Her trademark performances generally featured impressive scoring and rebounding - and her elevated play against premier opponents meant Jackson was coveted player in the WNBA Draft. Former Tennessee coach Kellie Harper heaped praise on Jackson upon her return from injury in 2023-24, offering a glimpse at the far-reaching effects Jackson can have on a team.

“[Her] presence affects [the rest of the team] when they step on the court,” Harper said. “She gives them great confidence. People key in on her. I mean, she hasn't played in however many weeks, and she was the focus as soon as she checked into the game. She is that talented.

“I do think it takes a little bit of pressure off some of our other players, and it does seem as though they are playing a little freer. ... I love the balance; I think we are going to be at our best when we have good balance offensively.”

2024-04-16T00:04:18Z dg43tfdfdgfd