40 Facts About Rickea Jackson

Early Life and Family Background

Rickea Jackson's journey in basketball began with a strong family influence and a supportive environment.

1. Birth and Family Background: Born on March 16, 2001, in Royal Oak, Michigan, Rickea Jackson grew up in a family passionate about basketball. Her parents, Caryn and Rickey Jackson Sr., along with her three brothers, Rickey Jr., Ryon, and Jordan, created a nurturing atmosphere for her athletic pursuits.

2. Early Basketball Influence: Basketball runs in the Jackson family. Caryn, her mother, played at the University of Kansas, and her brother Rickey played at Adrian College. This legacy inspired Rickea to pursue the sport seriously.

High School Dominance

Rickea's high school career was nothing short of spectacular, filled with accolades and achievements.

3. High School Career: Jackson attended Detroit Edison Public School Academy in Detroit, Michigan. She led her team to three consecutive Class C state titles from 2017 to 2019, showcasing her leadership and skill.

4. High School Achievements: As a senior, she averaged 22 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Her performance earned her Michigan Miss Basketball honors and selections to the McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic.

5. Gatorade Player of the Year: In 2019, Jackson was named Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year for the second time, recognizing her outstanding contributions on the court.

6. McDonald’s All-American: Her selection to the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game highlighted her as one of the top high school players in the nation.

7. Jordan Brand Classic Participant: Jackson also participated in the Jordan Brand Classic, an elite event showcasing top high school talent.

8. All-Michigan First Team: In 2019, she was named to the All-Michigan First Team, solidifying her status as one of the best players in the state.

9. Class C State Tournament Player of the Year: Jackson earned the title of Class C State Tournament Player of the Year three times (2017, 2018, and 2019), demonstrating her consistent excellence.

10. All-Time Leading Scorer: She left Detroit Edison as the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,771 points over four seasons, a testament to her scoring prowess.

College Career and Achievements

Rickea's transition to college basketball saw her continue to excel, first at Mississippi State and then at Tennessee.

11. College Commitment: Despite offers from several top colleges, Jackson chose Mississippi State University, turning down South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Rutgers, Ohio State, and Louisville.

12. College Debut: On February 20, 2020, Jackson scored a freshman season-high 34 points for Mississippi State in a 92–85 overtime win against Auburn.

13. Freshman Statistics: As a freshman, she averaged 15.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, earning second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) and All-Freshman honors.

14. Gillom Trophy Winner: Jackson won the Gillom Trophy as the top women's college player in Mississippi during her time at Mississippi State.

15. Sophomore Season: In her sophomore year, she continued to impress, averaging 14.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

16. Transfer to Tennessee: After two years at Mississippi State, Jackson transferred to the University of Tennessee for her final two years of eligibility under NCAA COVID exemption rules.

17. Senior Season at Tennessee: During her senior season, she averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in 28.3 minutes on the court.

18. SEC Statistics: Her scoring average ranked fifth all-time for a senior at Tennessee. She improved her shooting percentages to a career-high 54.8% from the field and 79.2% from the free throw line.

19. SEC Rankings: Jackson ranked among the top 20 players in the SEC, including third in scoring, fourth in field goal percentage, fifth in free throw percentage, and 15th in rebounds.

20. Streaks and Records: She surpassed Candace Parker’s seven-game streak of 20+ points from 2006 to 07 and Bridgette Gordon’s from 1987 to 88 with eight-straight games, though she trailed Chamique Holdsclaw’s nine consecutive games in 1997-98.

21. Free Throw Percentage Record: Jackson set the program record for the highest free throw percentage after hitting a perfect 14-of-14 (100%) against Kentucky in the SEC Tournament, registering a season-high 34-point game.

22. NCAA Tournament Appearance: Her season at Tennessee led the program to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, marking a significant milestone in her career.

23. Bonus Season: Despite having already completed her eligibility, Jackson competed for an additional year under NCAA COVID exemption rules, adding another year to her collegiate career.

24. Career Milestones: During her time at Tennessee, Jackson surpassed the 2000-point career mark when she scored 19 points against Missouri. She also became one of just six Lady Vols to average more than 20 points per game in a single season.

25. Career Statistics: Jackson finished her college basketball career amassing 2261 points, 773 rebounds, and starting 106 games out of 127 games played altogether at both Mississippi State and Tennessee.

Professional Career and Community Involvement

Rickea Jackson's professional career began with a bang, and she continues to make an impact off the court as well.

26. Professional Career: In the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson was selected as the No. 4 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks.

27. WNBA Debut: As a rookie in the WNBA, Jackson has already made a significant impact, showcasing her skills on the professional stage.

28. WNBA Statistics: In her rookie season, she has demonstrated elite shooting skills, shooting 41% from the field and 73% from the free throw line, with eight 20+ point games and a career-high 40 points in one game.

29. Community Involvement: Off the court, Jackson is involved in various community activities. She volunteered locally with the Brown Bag Project, where she was a student leader helping to organize and provide meals to the homeless.

30. Academic Achievements: Jackson excelled academically, carrying a GPA above 3.0 into her school year according to her USA Basketball bio. She graduated with a degree in communication studies in May 2024.

Awards and Honors

Rickea Jackson's career is decorated with numerous awards and honors, reflecting her excellence and dedication.

31. Awards and Honors: Throughout her career, Jackson has received numerous awards and honors. She was named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Player of the Year in 2023-24 and was a four-time WBCA All-American Honorable Mention.

32. All-American Honors: She also received AP All-American Honorable Mention (2x) and USBWA All-American Honorable Mention (2x) in 2023-24, recognizing her outstanding performance at the national level.

33. SEC All-Tournament Team: Jackson was a three-time SEC All-Tournament Team selection, showcasing her dominance in conference tournaments.

34. USA TODAY Sports Network All-SEC First-Team: She was named to the USA TODAY Sports Network All-SEC First-Team twice, solidifying her status as one of the top players in the SEC.

35. Cheryl Miller Award Finalist: Jackson was a two-time finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award, which recognizes the top small forward in college basketball.

36. Coaches All-SEC First Team: She was a three-time Coaches All-SEC First Team selection, demonstrating her consistent excellence in the SEC.

37. USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week: Jackson was named the USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week on January 9, 2024, for her outstanding performance that week.

38. SEC & TSWA Player of the Week: She was also named the SEC & TSWA Player of the Week on January 9, 2024, further highlighting her weekly achievements.

39. AP National Player of the Week Honorable Mention: Jackson received AP National Player of the Week Honorable Mention on January 9, 2024, for her impressive performance.

40. Career Legacy: Rickea Jackson’s career is marked by numerous achievements, both on and off the court. She has left a lasting legacy in high school and college basketball, setting records and earning accolades that will be remembered for years to come.

Rickea Jackson's Lasting Impact

Rickea Jackson's journey from Royal Oak, Michigan to the WNBA showcases her incredible talent and determination. Her high school days at Detroit Edison Public School Academy were filled with state titles and personal accolades, setting the stage for her college career. At Mississippi State and later Tennessee, she continued to shine, breaking records and earning numerous awards.

Her transition to the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks has been nothing short of impressive. Jackson's rookie season stats and community involvement highlight her as a well-rounded athlete and person. With a career marked by milestones, awards, and community service, Rickea Jackson has left an indelible mark on basketball.

Her legacy isn't just about points and rebounds; it's about inspiring the next generation of athletes. Rickea Jackson's story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the impact one can have both on and off the court.