Los Angeles Sparks rookie sensation Rickea Jackson is the most recent addition to Unequalled Basketball League, the brand new 3×3 basketball league that may 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 girls’s basketball gamers on this planet will take part — 18 of whom have now been introduced.
Unequalled gives 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 can have fairness.
Rickea Jackson turns into second WNBA rookie to hitch 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.
“Having the ability to be in Miami from January to March, not having to go abroad,” Reese instructed reporters final month. “No one desires to go abroad. Plenty of us by no means wanna should go abroad, however some individuals 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 quite a lot of buzz as a part of this new era of gamers,” Miller stated. “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 general choose is averaging 12.6 factors on 46.6% capturing. 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 absolutely, actually particular on the offensive finish, and is simply going to get higher,” Miller stated. “She now has the boldness, and he or she is aware of she has the inexperienced mild to not hesitate. She’s in a groove proper now capturing 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 record of rookies who may additionally assist drive curiosity in Unequalled, however Collier has confirmed that to this point, there are solely 4 rookies within the inaugural class. Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin — each of whom have had top-selling jerseys to this point this season — could possibly be within the combine for these remaining spots, however neither has publicly dedicated to taking part.
Up to date record of WNBA stars taking part in Unequalled
With Jackson’s addition, 18 WNBA gamers have now dedicated to enjoying in Unequalled this winter:
- Allisha Grey (Dream)
- Angel Reese (Sky)
- Arike Ogunbowale (Wings)
- Breanna Stewart (Liberty)
- Chelsea Grey (Aces)
- Dearica Hamby (Sparks)
- Jackie Younger (Aces)
- Jewell Loyd (Storm)
- Kahleah Copper (Mercury)
- Kayla McBride (Lynx)
- Kelsey Plum (Aces)
- Marina Mabrey (Solar)
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx)
- Natasha Cloud (Mercury)
- Rhyne Howard (Dream)
- Rickea Jackson (Sparks)
- Satou Sabally (Wings)
- Skylar Diggins-Smith (Storm)
12 extra gamers will likely be introduced within the coming weeks.
