The WNBA season has started with a bang. While the rookies try to adjust to the high level of the WNBA, it is the veteran players who keep an eye on their juniors and help them better their game. One such team that has no dearth of talent is the Los Angeles Sparks. Propelled by their forward Dearica Hamby, the Sparks landed two top talents, Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing so far. Hamby came forward to give her views about the two rising talents, which had all the fans going gaga over her gaming acumen.

Hamby was present in a media interaction on Friday before their game against the Las Vegas Aces. She was asked a flurry of questions considering she is one of the senior-most players for the Sparks and hence represents the team’s mindset with her leadership skills. Her replies floored her fans.

Dearica Hamby on Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson

A balanced Hamby gave her view about two of the most talked about rookies – Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. Her statement reflected the current standing of both the stars in the Sparks’ lineup. “They’ve been good for a while, I mean they are very individual talented players but we also have very individual talented players and we only had a day for prep. But we are just gonna go out and compete and focus on us,” Hamby stated.

Brink was drafted as the second overall pick by the Sparks whereas Jackson was the fourth overall pick. The two players have been looked at by their fans and critics as part of making the Sparks a brilliant team. Sparks won their first two preseason games against the Seattle Storm and the Phoenix Mercury. While Brink scored 11 points, Jackson had 12 during the first preseason game. Against the Phoenix Mercury in their second preseason game, Brink and Jackson scored 7 and 2 points, respectively.

The two performed decently in their season opener against the Atlanta Dream, scoring 11 and 7 points, respectively. Therefore, both have held the Sparks’ baton with grace although they lost that game. After playing their season opener on Wednesday, the Sparks will be playing their second game against the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday. They didn’t get much practice time but will be relying on their star players to sail their ship to the finish line. Moreover, this is not the first time that Hamby’s relationship with Brink has been in the spotlight.

Cameron Brink on her second mother

During an interview with the ‘Sporting Tribune’, Brink had stated that “the team has been really welcoming to me. I love Dearica, she’s like my second mom already so…” She had clearly mentioned that she had formed a good bond with Hamby in the limited time she got with her after being drafted with the Sparks. 

Perhaps it is this bond that will help Brink and Jackson perform to their fullest potential and maybe these words of encouragement from Hamby will change the Sparks’ fortune going ahead in the season.