Rickea Jackson took the basketball world by storm during her rookie season with the Los Angeles Sparks. With the WNBA season around the corner, every franchise is gearing up to put on its best show.
In that spirit, the Sparks have issued a challenge to their fans, and Jackson is doubling down on it.
Rickea Jackson Boldly Warns Potential Players Before the Sparks Conduct Tryouts
The Sparks are set to hold tryouts for their practice squad as they fine-tune their roster before the WNBA season kicks off. However, there’s a twist — only male players are eligible.
The tryouts for male practice players are scheduled for Saturday, April 12, at El Camino College. Jackson issued a challenge on X about the opportunity, responding to a tweet listing the details of the tryouts.
“Come get cooked,” she tweeted.
come get cooked ☺️ https://t.co/Fxx4wbXJbT
— RJ👑 (@iamthathooper)
WNBA teams routinely practice against male players to improve their game. This method has been a staple for WNBA franchises for years. The job of a male practice player is multi-faceted and not an easy one.
Beyond presenting the challenge of competing against taller and stronger opponents, practice players also emulate the playing styles of WNBA opponents to help teams prepare.
The Sparks finished the 2024 season 8-32, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. They’ll be putting in extra effort in the lead up to the season as they look to end that drought.
The roster will have a new look this season, as two-time WNBA champion and former No. 1 overall pick Kelsey Plum was traded to the Sparks this offseason.
Jackson Signs a Multi-Year Deal With Skechers
The No. 4 overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft recently became the first female basketball player to sign an endorsement deal with Skechers. In doing so, she joined Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, and Terance Mann as other basketball stars signed with the $9.4 billion brand.
“Being the first WNBA player to join the Skechers roster is an incredible feeling,” she said in an interview. “The brand is a rising star in the sports world.”
“Rickea is not only a rising star in the WNBA with a bright future in the sport, but she also believes in the brand and loves Skechers’ on and off-court product,” Skechers VP of Product Development & Merchandising Greg Smith said.
The 23-year-old has been front and center for the brand’s campaign, with her posters featured in Skechers stores. Jackson recently shared how surreal it felt to see her posters displayed in the brand’s Miami store.
