Rickea Velece Jackson Bio
Rickea Velece Jackson is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for the Breeze of Unrivaled. She played college basketball at the University of Tennessee and Mississippi State University. Born on March 16, 2001, in Detroit, Michigan, Jackson has established herself as a prominent player in women’s basketball, known for her scoring ability and versatility on the court.
Early Life and Background
Rickea Jackson grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where she attended Detroit Edison Public School Academy. During her high school career, she led her team to three consecutive Class C state titles. As a senior, Jackson averaged an impressive 22 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, earning the title of Michigan Miss Basketball and being selected for the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. She was recognized as the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year for a second time and left high school as the program’s all-time leading scorer, amassing 1,771 points. Jackson was rated a five-star recruit and ranked as the fifth-best player in her class by ESPN, ultimately committing to play college basketball at Mississippi State over offers from several other top programs.
Path to Basketball
Jackson’s transition to college basketball began at Mississippi State, where she made an immediate impact. In her freshman season, she scored a season-high 34 points in a game against Auburn and averaged 15.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Her performance earned her second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) and All-Freshman honors, as well as the Gillom Trophy, awarded to the top women’s college player in Mississippi. After a successful sophomore season, Jackson entered the transfer portal in January 2022, averaging an SEC-best 20.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. She announced her transfer to the University of Tennessee, where she continued to excel on the court.
Rickea Velece Jackson Career
Early Career (2020-2022)
During her time at Mississippi State, Jackson’s contributions were significant, leading to multiple accolades, including being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and winning the Gillom Trophy in 2020. She continued to build on her success at Tennessee, where she averaged 19.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in her senior season, earning first-team All-SEC honors. Despite being projected as a first-round pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, Jackson opted to return for a fifth season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, further solidifying her skills and experience.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
On April 15, 2024, Rickea Jackson was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks as the fourth overall pick in the WNBA Draft. She made her professional debut on May 15, 2024, scoring 7 points in her first game against the Atlanta Dream. Jackson quickly became a starter for the Sparks, showcasing her talent and determination throughout the season. On August 25, 2024, she recorded a career-high 25 points in a game against the Dallas Wings. In her rookie season, Jackson played in all 40 regular-season games, starting 35, and averaged 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, earning a spot on the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jackson’s journey in professional basketball has been marked by significant achievements, including her selection to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2024 and her impressive performances that have drawn attention from fans and analysts alike.
Rickea Velece Jackson Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Rickea Jackson has received several nominations and accolades, including recognition as a two-time First-team All-SEC player and a member of the WNBA All-Rookie Team.
Rickea Velece Jackson Awards Won
Jackson has achieved notable awards during her basketball career, including the Gillom Trophy in 2020, which recognizes the top women’s college basketball player in Mississippi, and the Michigan Miss Basketball award in 2019.
Rickea Velece Jackson Family
Information regarding Rickea Jackson’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Rickea Jackson has made headlines for her achievements both on and off the court. In July 2024, she became the first WNBA player to sign a shoe deal with Skechers, marking a significant milestone in her career. Additionally, she shares a godmother, Debra Walker, with fellow WNBA player Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, highlighting her connections within the basketball community.
