Los Angeles Sparks rookie sensation Rickea Jackson is the most recent addition to Unmatched Basketball League, the brand new 3×3 basketball league that can happen in Miami throughout 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.
Unmatched offers an alternate for gamers who wish to make supplementary earnings 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 affix Unmatched
With Tuesday’s announcement, Rickea Jackson turns into the second rookie to publicly decide to taking part in in Unmatched — Angel Reese was the primary announcement.
“With the ability to be in Miami from January to March, not having to go abroad,” Reese instructed reporters final month. “No person desires to go abroad. A whole lot of us by no means wanna need to go abroad, however some individuals do need to 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 recognition in Los Angeles.
“She brings us a number of 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 well-liked.”
In her rookie marketing campaign, the fourth general choose 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 de facto, actually particular on the offensive finish, and is simply going to get higher,” Miller mentioned. “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 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 a protracted record of rookies who may additionally assist drive curiosity in Unmatched, however Collier has confirmed that to date, there are solely 4 rookies within the inaugural class. Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin — each of whom have had top-selling jerseys to date this season — may very well be within the combine for these closing spots, however neither has publicly dedicated to collaborating.
Up to date record of WNBA stars collaborating in Unmatched
With Jackson’s addition, 18 WNBA gamers have now dedicated to taking part in in Unmatched 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 shall be introduced within the coming weeks.