Rickea Jackson’s college career was a showcase of her scoring prowess and adaptability. She began her journey at Mississippi State before transferring to the University of Tennessee, where she solidified her reputation as an unstoppable offensive player. Her performance at both schools laid the groundwork for her professional career.
Mississippi State (2019-2022)
At Mississippi State, Jackson quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the team. As a freshman, she was named to the SEC All-Freshman team, a testament to her immediate impact. Over her three seasons with the Bulldogs, her stats consistently improved, culminating in a dominant junior year where she led the SEC in scoring.
2019-20 (Freshman):
Points Per Game (PPG): 15.1
Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 5.1
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 48.3%
Accolades: SEC All-Freshman Team, Second-team All-SEC
2020-21 (Sophomore):
PPG: 14.9
RPG: 4.4
FG%: 42.0%
2021-22 (Junior):
PPG: 20.3 (led the SEC)
RPG: 6.8
FG%: 41.0%
Career High: Scored a career-high 40 points against McNeese State, becoming just the 13th Bulldog to reach that milestone.
Tennessee (2022-2024)
Jackson’s decision to transfer to Tennessee for her final two seasons proved to be a pivotal move. At Tennessee, she elevated her game to new heights and became a consensus First-Team All-SEC selection in both her senior and fifth-year seasons. She consistently led the team in scoring and was a key factor in their success.
2022-23 (Senior):
PPG: 19.2
RPG: 6.1
FG%: 54.8% (a career-best)
Accolades: First-team All-SEC
2023-24 (Fifth-Year):
PPG: 20.2
RPG: 8.2
FG%: 48.5%
Accolades: First-team All-SEC
Jackson finished her collegiate career with over 2,261 points and 773 rebounds, a testament to her consistent production and longevity. Her two seasons at Tennessee were particularly impactful, as she became a fan favorite and a legitimate star on the national stage.
WNBA Stats and Rookie Season Impact
The Los Angeles Sparks selected Rickea Jackson with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, a move that was widely praised for its potential. As a rookie, she quickly adapted to the professional level, showcasing her ability to score in a variety of ways and handle the physicality of the league. Her performance in her inaugural season earned her a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team.
2024 WNBA Regular Season Stats
Jackson’s rookie stats demonstrate her immediate readiness for the WNBA. She played in all 40 regular-season games, starting in 35 of them. She became a reliable scorer for the Sparks, consistently contributing double-digit points and providing a much-needed offensive spark.
| Metric | Per Game |
| Points (PPG) | 13.4 |
| Rebounds (RPG) | 3.9 |
| Assists (APG) | 1.5 |
| Field Goal % (FG%) | 45.6% |
| 3-Point % (3P%) | 34.7% |
| Free Throw % (FT%) | 80.7% |
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Breakdown: Jackson’s ability to score efficiently from the field and the free-throw line was a major asset for the Sparks. While her three-point percentage was solid for a rookie, she proved to be most effective as a driver and mid-range shooter, using her size and athleticism to get to the basket.
Practical Analysis of Jackson’s Game
Beyond the numbers, Rickea Jackson’s game is defined by several key attributes that make her a difficult matchup for opponents.
Scoring Versatility
One of the most impressive aspects of Jackson’s game is her diverse scoring arsenal. She isn’t reliant on a single move or shot. Instead, she can:
Drive to the basket: Her long strides and strength allow her to blow by defenders and finish through contact at the rim.
Shoot the mid-range jumper: This is a key part of her game, a shot that many modern players neglect. She has a high release and a smooth stroke, making her a threat from just inside the three-point line.
Hit the three-point shot: While not a volume shooter, she’s a capable threat from beyond the arc, which forces defenders to close out on her and opens up driving lanes.
Post up smaller defenders: At 6’2″, she has a size advantage over many guards and wings, and she’s not afraid to use it.
Basketball IQ and On-Court Presence
Jackson plays with a sense of calm and control that is rare for a player her age. She makes smart decisions with the ball, knows when to attack, and shows an understanding of how to use her body to create space. This high basketball IQ, combined with her physical tools, is what makes her such a special talent.
The Future of the Sparks
Jackson’s rookie season provided a clear vision for the Los Angeles Sparks’ future. With her as a cornerstone, alongside other young talents, the team has the potential to build a formidable contender. Her stats will likely continue to grow as she gains more experience and the team builds around her strengths.
FAQs
What are Rickea Jackson’s career-high stats?
Rickea Jackson’s collegiate career-high was 40 points, which she scored while playing for Mississippi State. In her WNBA career, she has already demonstrated her scoring potential with several high-scoring performances.
What position does Rickea Jackson play?
Rickea Jackson plays the small forward position. She is known for her versatility and can also play as a power forward, a role she often took on in college.
What WNBA team is Rickea Jackson on?
Rickea Jackson was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks and plays for them.
How tall is Rickea Jackson?
Rickea Jackson’s listed height is 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m).
What was Rickea Jackson’s WNBA draft position?
Rickea Jackson was the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Final Thoughts
Rickea Jackson’s stats tell the story of a player who has consistently performed at an elite level, from her high school days to the bright lights of the WNBA. Her impressive college career, highlighted by her scoring dominance and efficiency, was a clear indicator of her professional potential. As a rookie, she has already shown that she belongs among the best in the world, and her stats are a promising preview of what’s to come. For fans and analysts, tracking Rickea Jackson’s stats is not just about numbers; it’s about watching the development of a future WNBA star. Her talent, work ethic, and on-court intelligence make her a player to watch for years to come.
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