In two mock drafts of the WNBA, ESPN’s Michael Voepel predicted that Rickea Jackson of the Lady Vols would go No. 3 and No. 4 overall, respectively. He also said that Jackson would be a great scorer and defensive player for any team that selected her. Unsurprisingly, Caitlin Clark is predicted to go No. 1 overall for the Indiana Fever, while Cameron Brink of Stanford is predicted to go No. 2 overall and end up with the Los Angeles Sparks. Voepel then switches the positions of No. 3 and No. 4 picks between Jackson and South Carolina Center Kamilla Cardoso.
Cardoso climbs the selection board to a lottery pick just by virtue of her stature. Voepel defended his choice to elevate Cardoso from Jackson to No. 3 because of her efficiency as a scorer and her ability to control the boards.
Jackson, though, appears like she could play a significant role in helping any club win a championship or even just turn the franchise around. Voepel thinks her ability to hit three-pointers reliably and effectively while being a formidable defensive player in the paint might make her a standout in the WNBA.
In his first mock draft, which had Jackson at No. 3, Voepel stated, “It’s not out of the question Jackson could go at No. 2.” However, if she finishes third, she might play a significant role in the Sky’s reconstruction. Teresa Weatherspoon, the new coach, has her job cut out for her as she attempts to get Chicago back to being a contender.
“Jackson, who led Tennessee to victory in her final two undergraduate seasons, ought to improve even further as a scorer in the WNBA. Jackson can play the role of a long, swift, and powerful wing-type player who can guard several spots, which is highly valued in the league.”
In his second mock selection, Voepel stated that Jackson, who was Tennessee’s standout player the previous two seasons, “may be a boost to the Sparks with her scoring ability.” “This season, she hit a career-high 22 3-pointers, indicating that she will continue to improve as she prepares to join the WNBA. For Los Angeles coach Curt Miller, she should also be a superb defensive defender.”
Jackson has demonstrated the willingness and ability to shoot and score from any spot on the court, despite the fact that Cardoso is a center and Jackson is a forward. She averaged 20.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists as a senior last year. Moreover, she made 48.5% of her field goals and 33.8% of her threes. Cardoso is a center who prioritizes defense, and her shot chart seems
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