Rickea Jackson joins fellow rookie Angel Reese in Unequalled Basketball League

September 3, 2024

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Los Angeles Sparks rookie sensation Rickea Jackson is the newest addition to Unequalled Basketball League, the brand new 3×3 basketball league that can happen in Miami in the course of the WNBA offseason.

The league — launched by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart — will start in January, run for 8 weeks, and be made up of six groups with 5 gamers every. Thirty of the highest ladies’s basketball gamers on the planet will take part — 18 of whom have now been introduced.

Unequalled offers an alternate for gamers who wish to make supplementary revenue to their WNBA wage, however don’t wish to go abroad. The league boasts a minimal wage of $150,000 per participant, and all gamers within the inaugural class could have fairness.

Rickea Jackson turns into second WNBA rookie to affix Unequalled

With Tuesday’s announcement, Rickea Jackson turns into the second rookie to publicly decide to enjoying in Unequalled — Angel Reese was the primary announcement.

“With the ability to be in Miami from January to March, not having to go abroad,” Reese informed reporters final month. “No one desires to go abroad. A whole lot of us by no means wanna should go abroad, however some folks do should go abroad sadly, so having the ability to make six figures inside three months, having the ability to be housed in Miami, simply having the ability to get higher.

Final month, Sparks head coach Curt Miller identified Jackson’s rising reputation in Los Angeles.

“She brings us numerous buzz as a part of this new technology of gamers,” Miller mentioned. “And so she will get the loudest applause after we do the beginning lineups out in LA. She’s actually, actually in style.”

In her rookie marketing campaign, the fourth total decide is averaging 12.6 factors on 46.6% taking pictures. Of the three rookies averaging double-figure factors — Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Jackson — Jackson has been probably the most environment friendly. She’s additionally shot 37.2% from three-point vary.

“She is actually, actually particular on the offensive finish, and is barely going to get higher,” Miller mentioned. “She now has the arrogance, and she or he is aware of she has the inexperienced gentle to not hesitate. She’s in a groove proper now taking pictures the three, and it’s actually enjoyable to see that simply makes her much more dynamic. She simply she’s going to be a particular one, and we’re all seeing it, and we’re all seeing the expansion.”

There’s an extended listing of rookies who might additionally assist drive curiosity in Unequalled, however Collier has confirmed that up to now, there are solely 4 rookies within the inaugural class. Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin — each of whom have had top-selling jerseys up to now this season — may very well be within the combine for these last spots, however neither has publicly dedicated to collaborating.

Up to date listing of WNBA stars collaborating in Unequalled

With Jackson’s addition, 18 WNBA gamers have now dedicated to enjoying in Unequalled this winter: