Rickea Jackson makes clear ‘tenacious’ change in mindset ahead of sophomore season (EXCLUSIVE)

Modified Apr 16, 2025 07:16 GMT

Basketball: Unrivaled-Mist at Lunar Owls - Source: Imagn — Rickea Jackson makes clear ‘tenacious’ change in mindset ahead of sophomore season (EXCLUSIVE)s - Source: Imagn

Rickea Jackson had a strong debut season with the Los Angeles Sparks, despite the team having the league's worst record. She earned a place on the WNBA's All-Rookie team with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese as one of the best from the previous year's rookie class.

Jackson will play her second year with the Sparks after spending the off-season polishing her game and competing in the first season of Unrivaled, a new 3v3 league established by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. She was able to learn from both Stewart and Jewell Loyd, which should serve her well as she returns to the WNBA.

In an interview with Sportskeeda's Mark Medina, Rickea Jackson expressed gratitude for her rookie season experiences and the fact that she was able to learn from veteran players in the offseason. As she prepares for her sophomore season, Jackson is ready to make a strong statement on both ends of the floor.

"I want to be more tenacious on the defensive end," Jackson told Medina. "I want to hunt for my shot more on the offensive end and rebound way better. It's definitely about upping the pace and upping the competition level."

How will Rickea Jackson's mindset impact the Los Angeles Sparks?

The Los Angeles Sparks will have a new look heading into the 2025 season. They will welcome back former No. 2 pick Cameron Brink after an ACL injury ended her rookie season. They have also brought in All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to run the show.

The addition of No. 9 pick Sarah Ashlee Barker will make the Los Angeles Sparks one of the WNBA's most interesting teams heading into the regular season.

Rickea Jackson's aggressiveness on the interior could go a long way in determining the team's success. If she can improve her 3-point shooting, she and Brink could form a formidable frontcourt pairing.

While Jackson isn't expected to be one of the Sparks' leaders in the 2025 season, her approach has the team optimistic about how far she can take her game.

About the author

Zachary Howell is an NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda with a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University and over a year of experience in the field.

Being introduced to the digital side of content inspired Zachary to become a writer, and his love of basketball made this an obvious transition.

His favorite team is the OKC Thunder, and Zachary started following them in 2011 when they were on the rise with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. His favorite basketball players from the past are Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal. Those three came to define their eras of basketball and were dominant without beating their chests too much. Zachary is a big fan of quiet greatness and these three players are good embodiments of that.

When not writing or watching sports, Zachary enjoys reading and exercising, as well as gaming. He loves to be outside and spend time with friends and family, including his three dogs.

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Edited by Zachary Howell