Meet Rickea Jackson’s Parents Rickey and Caryn – the Pair That Gave Birth to Future WNBA Star

Flaunting her classic Rickey style, 6-foot-2 Tennessee forward Rickea Jackson scored 27 points. With 64.3% shooting, she avenged the 3 straight 3-pointers by Texas A&M on March 1. The fifth-year senior continued to play as a talented offensive player, attacking the basket with near-perfect success.

A promising star with the ball in her hand, control over her decisions, and little wobble in the defense scene, 23-year-old Jackson is all set to enter her professional basketball era this year. But it’s a different level of excitement to be listed as No. 2 in round 1 of the 2024 WNBA draft picks, scheduled for April 15. Winning over basketball supporters with her gameplay, many fans are now eager to know more about Rickea Jackson and her personal life.

Get to know Rickea Jackson’s parents

Rickea Velece Jackson was born to Rickey Jackson Sr. and Caryn Jackson in Detroit, Michigan, on March 16, 2001. Caryn, who was once a standout basketball player herself, won championships at Detroit Murray Wright and then went on to play for the University of Kansas. After leaving the court system to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, she is now the founder of Court Side Cutie, a consulting business that helps parents whose kids want to be professional athletes.

Rickey Jackson Sr., on the other hand, gave his daughter a passion for riding when she was still a young girl. However, it wasn’t her parents, but her brother, who got her into the sport. As a child growing up in the corridors of Detroit Edison Public School Academy, Rickea Jackson’s skills as a basketball player were evident. She made a lasting impression by leading her team to three straight Class C State Championships while averaging an incredible 22 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in her senior year.

Jackson established herself as a basketball prodigy by winning titles like Michigan Miss Basketball and Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year twice. With an astounding 1,771 points, she was called the state’s greatest all-time girls’ high school scorer.

Lesser-known international pursuits

Jackson’s high school career was recognized by ESPN, who dubbed her the fifth-best player in her class and a five-star prospect. She chose to pursue her basketball career at Mississippi State University, excelling in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Moreover, Rickea Jackson was also named the second team in the SEC All-Freshman honor. Her skill on the court led to the coveted Gillom Trophy, designating her as Mississippi’s best women’s collegiate athlete.

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Then, she changed her school to Tennessee and went on to represent the national team internationally. Jackson’s powers were clear, not just at the collegiate level, but also internationally. She won a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in Mexico. Significantly, these achievements extended beyond conventional basketball, as she proved her adaptability in 3×3 hoops.

Rickea Jackson also won a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup as an all-tournament team member. In her senior year at Tennessee, she won her first-team All-SEC. Jackson was regarded as a top prospect for the 2023 WNBA draft, but she decided to spend a fifth season in Tennessee to refine her game.

She continued to be a powerful player on the field despite her setbacks, regularly contributing with her skill at scoring and grabbing rebounds. Her skills on the field speak for themselves, and her resume on the recruiting table is ready for an upgrade. After all, Rickea Jackson stayed in the top five prospects for two consecutive draft seasons, and that’s no easy feat!

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