Rickea Jackson named to 2024 WNBA All-Rookie team

The Los Angeles Sparks didn’t win many games, but rookie Rickea Jackson had a tremendous season and was rewarded by being named to the All-Rookie team.

After winning a franchise-low eight games, there wasn't much for Sparks fans to celebrate in 2024.

One ray of sunshine in the darkness that was this season was Rickea Jackson. During the back half of the year, fans could still enjoy Jackson getting bucket after bucket against the league's best teams.

On Thursday, the league's voters took notice of her play and named Jackson to the All-Rookie team.

The WNBA also announced Caitlin Clark of the Fever as the Rookie of the Year winner. She nearly won the award unanimously, receiving 66 of the 67 votes with Angel Reese of the Sky being the other vote-getter.

Clark and Reese, obviously, joined Jackson on the All-Rookie team. The other two honorees were Kamille Cardoso of the Sky and Leonie Fiebich of the Liberty.

Jackson is the sixth Spark to earn All-Rookie honors and the first since Ana Dabovic in 2015. She exceeded even her own expectations in 2024. Jackson entered training camp aiming to win the Sixth Woman of the Year award but ended up starting in 35 of 40 regular-season games.

Averaging 13.4 points in her 28.8 minutes of play, Rickea was top three in this rookie class in points and minutes played. She was also one of only four rookies who played in all 40 games.

Jackson was consistent all season, but what might be most impressive about her numbers is how they improved month after month.

Across seven games in May, she averaged 10.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.3 assists. In September, in nine games, she averaged 16.1 points 4.1 rebounds 1.8 assists.

With a long offseason that will include her participation in the Unrivaled 3x3 league, Jackson will only improve in her second season. That's music to Sparks fans' ears, as they expect an improved team next year.

Cameron Brink is expected to be back and fully healthy, Dearica Hamby has already been extended for 2025 and L.A. has the best odds at the No. 1 pick, hoping to be able to draft the generational talent that is Paige Bueckers.

Los Angeles' rebuild and return to glory has been a slow and painful process.

However, the night is darkest just before dawn and some pieces are already in place. Jackson is one of those players and this All-Rookie selection reflects that.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.