Former Lady Vols Star Rickea Jackson Traded to Chicago Sky: A New Chapter in Her WNBA Career
Former Lady Vols basketball star Rickea Jackson has been traded to the Chicago Sky in a player swap for Ariel Atkins. Jackson, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024, will now join the team that Lady Vols legend Candace Parker led to a WNBA title in 2021. Chicago Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca expressed excitement about acquiring Jackson, praising her talent and potential for growth.
Jackson, the highest draft pick out of Tennessee since Diamond DeShields in 2018, has been a key player for the Sparks, earning WNBA All-Rookie honors in 2024. She has showcased her scoring ability, with a career-high 30 points in a game against the Las Vegas Aces and multiple 20-plus point performances last season. In her two seasons with the Sparks, Jackson averaged 14 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
Before the 2024 draft, Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley emphasized the importance of selecting foundational players like Jackson and Cameron Brink. However, the team underwent a coaching change, parting ways with Curt Miller and hiring Lynne Roberts from Utah. Jackson began her college career at Mississippi State before transferring to Tennessee, where she quickly became a fan favorite.
During her time with the Lady Vols, Jackson left a lasting impact, ranking sixth all-time in career scoring with 2,261 points. She was a standout player, earning All-SEC first team honors, multiple SEC All-Tournament team selections, and recognition as a top-five finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award. Jackson led Tennessee in scoring in both of her seasons, averaging 20.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game as a senior.
The trade to the Chicago Sky marks a new chapter in Rickea Jackson's career, as she looks to continue her development and contribute to the team's success in the WNBA. Her journey from college standout to professional player showcases her talent and potential for future growth in the league.