While she may often be critical of Caitlin Clark, Sheryl Swoopes doesn’t back away from praising other stars in the league. All this time, her admiration for A’ja Wilson has been clear for all to see. But in a delightful twist, Sheryl has now moved the spotlight to Jackie Young, praising her key role as the LV Aces gear up for the Semi-Final series against the New York Liberty. It’s not every day you hear Swoopes praising someone else, but this time, she clearly means it!

On the ‘Queens of the Court’ podcast,  the 4×WNBA champion sat down with sports journalist Jordan Ligons Robinson to break down the playoff dynamics between the Aces and the Liberty. The conversation was lively, and when the journalist asked about what each team needed to advance, Swoopes confidently said, “Las Vegas advances if Jackie Young shows up.” 

She emphasized how crucial Jackie’s performance would be, particularly in guarding Sabrina Ionescu. This could be the deciding factor in the coming matchup. And when the topic turned to the Liberty, Swoopes had some strong opinions there, too. “New York advances if Jonquel Jones dominates,” she added. The 3x WNBA MVP knows what it takes to win, and her insights definitely mean something significant. 

And Young’s performances have truly been incredible in the 2024 WNBA season. She averages 15.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, showcasing her versatility on the court. Moreover, her defensive skills are also the highlight, contributing 1.0 steal per game. Hence, it’s no doubt the WNBA legend mentioned her as a player to watch. It’s just new since she has been a forever fangirl of A’ja Wilson. 

Sheryl Swoopes Celebrates A’ja Wilson’s Wins

Swoopes, the first woman to sign a WNBA contract, has consistently shown her support, celebrating A’ja’s achievements and milestone moments. Previously, when Wilson became the first player in league history to score 1,000 points in a single season, she couldn’t hold back her excitement, saying, “A’ja is on a whole another level.”

Recently, after A’ja bagged her third MVP title, the 2005 All-Star Game MVP gushed on social media, “Congratulations on becoming a three-time MVP. What an incredible accomplishment! I am truly in awe of your greatness.” Meanwhile, Wilson has always respected Swoopes, recognizing her as an inspiration and a pioneer in women’s basketball.

As the playoffs heat up, the Aces are coming off a strong season. After a shaky start against the Seattle Storm, they bounced back, and the 2023 WNBA Finals MVP led the charge. On the flip side, the New York Liberty have also shown their mettle this season. Their offensive prowess and defensive strategies make them a tough competitor. 

However, the pressure will be on them as they face off against the defending champions, the LV Aces, who are looking to cement their legacy with another title. So, will the Aces continue their championship reign? Or will the Liberty rise to the occasion? Let us see!