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 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 the planet will take part — 18 of whom have now been introduced.
Unmatched offers another 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 affix Unmatched
With Tuesday’s announcement, Rickea Jackson turns into the second rookie to publicly decide to enjoying in Unmatched — Angel Reese was the primary announcement.
“Having the ability to be in Miami from January to March, not having to go abroad,” Reese told reporters last month. “No person desires to go abroad. Quite a lot of us by no means wanna need to go abroad, however some individuals do need to go abroad sadly, so with the ability to make six figures inside three months, with the ability to be housed in Miami, simply with the ability to get higher.
Final month, Sparks head coach Curt Miller identified Jackson’s rising reputation in Los Angeles.
“She brings us loads of buzz as a part of this new era of gamers,” Miller stated. “And so she will get the loudest applause once we do the beginning lineups out in LA. She’s actually, actually common.”
In her rookie marketing campaign, the fourth general decide 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 de facto, actually particular on the offensive finish, and is just going to get higher,” Miller stated. “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 capturing the three, and it’s actually enjoyable to see that simply makes her much more dynamic. She’s going to be a particular one, and we’re all seeing it — we’re all seeing the expansion.”
There’s a protracted checklist 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 — could possibly be within the combine for these ultimate spots, however neither has publicly dedicated to taking part.
Up to date checklist of WNBA stars taking part in Unmatched
With Jackson’s addition, 18 WNBA gamers have now dedicated to enjoying in Unmatched this winter:
- Allisha Gray (Dream)
- Angel Reese (Sky)
- Arike Ogunbowale (Wings)
- Breanna Stewart (Liberty)
- Chelsea Gray (Aces)
- Dearica Hamby (Sparks)
- Jackie Young (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.
