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

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.

Rickea's 2nd straight game with 4+ three points made.

19 PTS | 3 REB | 3 REB | 4-6 3PM pic.twitter.com/seUDdYUyXH

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) August 29, 2024

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.)

This move never gets old. @iamthathooper x #TheNewClassic pic.twitter.com/8Ckevu1lps

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 16, 2024

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:

Rookie Rickea was putting on a show.

22 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST pic.twitter.com/MKuxBAQPbN

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 8, 2024

Rickea is that girl.

16 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST pic.twitter.com/L8eplM5o80

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 16, 2024

Rickea going to work.

15 PTS | 5 REB | 1 AST pic.twitter.com/SJpDMJVMUN

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) August 19, 2024

You can count on Rickea.

14 PTS | 6 REB | 1 AST pic.twitter.com/hamisP3Bg3

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) August 21, 2024

Career-high type game for Rickea today.

25 PTS | 3 REB | 4 AST | 3 BLK | 6-8 3PM pic.twitter.com/k2es65X7Uu

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) August 25, 2024

The Rookie you can't forget about – Rickea.

17 PTS | 3 REB | 1 AST pic.twitter.com/cbOR6VkaPx

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) August 24, 2024