Rickea Jackson Highlights Strength of 2024 WNBA Draft Class Featuring Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

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Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson believes that the 2024 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft class, headlined by Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso, has the potential to be the best in league history. The statement comes amid a record-breaking season for the WNBA in terms of viewership, attendance, and fan engagement.

Caitlin Clark, drafted by the Indiana Fever, has emerged as a transformative figure in professional women’s basketball. A former standout at the University of Iowa, Clark has quickly become a driving force behind the league’s surging popularity. She earned All-Star selections in her first two seasons and remains a top performer in both offensive production and marketability, with merchandise sales and television ratings reflecting her impact.

Angel Reese, known for her physical presence and rebounding prowess, is making history of her own. The former Louisiana State University (LSU) standout recently became the only player in WNBA history to record multiple streaks of 10 or more consecutive double-doubles. Like Clark, Reese has also been named an All-Star twice, underscoring her consistent performance on the court.

Jackson, alongside fellow 2024 draftees Cameron Brink and Kamilla Cardoso, is also rising fast. Brink, a former Stanford University star now with the Los Angeles Sparks, and Cardoso, out of the University of South Carolina and now playing for the Chicago Sky, have shown promise early in their careers. Other members of the 2024 class, including Aaliyah Edwards, Kate Martin, Jacy Sheldon, and Nika Muhl, continue to earn valuable roles within their respective teams.

In an interview with Athlon Sports, Jackson discussed her endorsement with snack brand Cheez-It and reflected on her draft class’s early success. While acknowledging high public expectations, Jackson emphasized that development takes time. “I feel like, as fans, we know that you want us to do great. You want us to be efficient every night, but that’s not realistic,” Jackson stated. She noted that teams have begun to adjust defensively and that the transition to professional play involves a learning curve.

Still, Jackson remains optimistic about the future. “You can’t just expect us to be these 10-year vets right now. But… we’ve been handling it with grace,” she said. “We’re still going out there every night playing our butts off.”

Asked directly whether she believes this group can go down as the greatest draft class in WNBA history, Jackson responded, “I feel like we have the chance to be that.” She described the group as “fun” and full of potential, both on and off the court.

While time will ultimately determine the legacy of the 2024 class, early indicators point to a group that is not only excelling statistically but also reshaping the profile and public reach of the WNBA. With several players already achieving individual milestones and drawing national attention, Jackson’s confidence in the class’s long-term promise appears well-founded.