BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee’s Dominance Shines in the 2024 WNBA Draft…
BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee's Dominance Shines in the 2024 WNBA Draft...
In a testament to its enduring legacy in women’s basketball, the University of Tennessee’s Lady Volunteers have once again made headlines with their significant impact on the 2024 WNBA Draft. The selection of forward Rickea Jackson as the fourth overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks marks a historic moment for the program, underscoring Tennessee’s consistent production of top-tier talent.
Rickea Jackson’s Rise to the Top
Rickea Jackson’s journey to the WNBA has been nothing short of remarkable. After transferring from Mississippi State, Jackson quickly became a standout player for the Lady Vols. In the 2023-2024 season, she led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in scoring with an impressive 20.2 points per game and contributed a team-high 8.2 rebounds per contest. Her performance against ranked teams was particularly noteworthy, averaging 25.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game citeturn0search0.
Jackson’s selection as the fourth overall pick makes her the highest-drafted Lady Vol since Diamond DeShields was taken third overall in 2018. She becomes the 10th top-five pick in Tennessee’s storied history and the 21st first-round selection from the program citeturn0search3.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Lady Vols’ influence on the WNBA is profound. Under the legendary coaching of Pat Summitt, Tennessee established itself as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. The program has produced 44 total WNBA draft picks, including 21 first-round selections citeturn0news12.
Jackson’s selection continues a remarkable streak for Tennessee, marking the fourth consecutive year a Lady Vol has been chosen in the first round. This achievement places Tennessee among elite company, joining UConn and Notre Dame as the only programs to have four straight years with first-round picks citeturn0search0.
The Tennessee-Sparks Connection
The Los Angeles Sparks have a history of selecting talent from Tennessee. Jackson joins a roster that includes former Lady Vol Rae Burrell, who was drafted ninth overall in 2022. Other notable Tennessee alumni who have played for the Sparks include Candace Parker, Shannon Bobbitt, and Cierra Burdick citeturn0search0.
Jackson expressed her excitement about joining the Sparks, stating, “I’m just grateful that L.A. believed in me. They see something in me, and I see something in them, too.” She emphasized her versatility and readiness to contribute to the team’s success citeturn0search0.
Looking Ahead
As the WNBA continues to grow, Tennessee’s role in shaping the league remains significant. With a strong pipeline of talent and a commitment to excellence, the Lady Vols are poised to continue their tradition of producing top-tier professional players.
The 2024 WNBA season promises to be an exciting one, with Rickea Jackson and other talented rookies ready to make their mark. Fans can look forward to seeing how Tennessee’s latest star will impact the league and carry forward the Lady Vols’ legacy of excellence.
For more information on the WNBA Draft and Tennessee’s contributions to professional women’s basketball, visit University of Tennessee Athletics and Axios Nashville.
