Powered by On3

Rickea Jackson changes to completely different outfit during WNBA Draft

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax04/15/24

BarkleyTruax

Rickea Jackson
© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Rickea Jackson showed up at the WNBA Draft wearing one thing, but by the time she was selected, was wearing another outfit.

She originally wore a red outfit to begin the day, arriving on the orange carpet in style, but when she shook to commissioner’s hand, was in a silver get-up.

Here is her new outfit, which can be seen below:

This was her previous outfit:

Why did she change? That’s up for debate. When did she have time to do this? That’s not important. Perhaps she couldn’t decide between the two outfits in the first place and figured, ‘Why not both?’ Either way, she found the time and rocked them both.

Fashion won’t matter after tonight, as she’ll be wearing a Los Angeles Sparks uniform from here on out. She’ll team up with No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink on the West Coast next season.

However, many expect her game to translate nicely. Jackson led the SEC in scoring this past season, averaging 20.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while leading Tennessee to a 20-13 (10-6) record.

Before her time as a Lady Vol, Jackson began her collegiate career at Mississippi State, where she was just as dominant. During her last season in Starkville, Jackson led the SEC in scoring for the first time in her career, averaging 20.3 points and 6.8 rebounds.

ESPN College GameDay host Andraya Carter provided context on how she feels Jackson will transition to the league.

“At times at Tennessee, she was the only option for the Lady Vols – to my angst, at times,” Carter said. “And for her to be on a professional floor with defensive three seconds and players around her where she can have space to operate, I can see her, again, hitting some of those tough shots and being aggressive in moments where she needs to.

“Rickea also has the ability to pass, whether it’s a skip pass or anything like that. I see Rickea, with her shot-making and thinking aggressively, making an impact on a team in the W. Tough shot-making translates, and you would think she’ll have a little more space to operate at the next level.”

Now, Jackson’s focus turns to her new team as she prepares to adjust to the WNBA in the coming weeks. It will be a quick turnaround for all draftees, as the new season begins less than four weeks from draft day — May 14.