The Associated Press announced on Sunday that it has named LVFL and Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson to its 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team.
Jackson, who starred at Tennessee from 2022-24 and was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sparks, was one of five players chosen to the squad. She joined AP WNBA Rookie of the Year honoree Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever along with Angel Reese (Chicago Sky), Leonie Fiebich (New York) and Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago) on the squad. The WNBA will soon announce its awards as well.
A three-time Coaches All-SEC First Team recipient and four-time WBCA All-America Honorable Mention choice, Jackson is the eighth Lady Vol to be named to a WNBA All-Rookie Team. She follows previous honorees Jordan Horston (2023), Diamond DeShields (2018), Glory Johnson (2012), Candace Parker (2008), Nicky Anosike (2008), Tamika Catchings (2002) and Chamique Holdsclaw (1999).
Jackson, who was in the starting lineup for 35 of 40 games this season, played 28.8 minutes per contest and averaged 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists for the Sparks. The 6-foot-2 Tennessee product shot 45.6 percent from the field, 34.7 percent beyond the three-point arc and 80.7 percent from the free throw line.
Only Dearica Hamby had a higher scoring average (17.3) and more starts (40) and average minutes played (33.7) for Los Angeles than the rookie. As a scorer, Jackson registered double figures on 28 occasions, tallying 20 points or more six times. Her season best of 25 came on Aug. 25 at Dallas, when she connected on nine of 15 attempts from the field, including 6-of-8 marksmanship from three-point land in a 37-minute outing. She added four assists, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals vs. the Wings as well.
As the No. 4 selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson became the 46th Lady Vol taken in all WNBA Drafts and the 44th in drafts featuring only college players. She was the 21st Lady Vol taken in the first round (19th in college-only drafts) and gave UT first-round picks in four consecutive drafts for the first time in the program’s rich history. She followed Jordan Horston (2023, 9th, Seattle), Rae Burrell (2022, 9th, Los Angeles) and Rennia Davis (9th, Minnesota, 2021) in that run.
