Sparks' Rickea Jackson Reveals Close Relationship With WNBA Player

Sparks’ forward Rickea Jackson returned to game action Tuesday night against the Atlanta Dream in limited minutes after a three-game absence. It marked her first game appearance since entering concussion protocol on May 18, following an injury suffered in the Sparks' home-opener against Minnesota. Prior to Tuesday's game, Jackson spoke honestly about her close relationship with current Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard. "We've just always been pretty cool as friends," Jackson said. "She's [a] great high-character person." Howard, a two-time WNBA All-Star and 2022 Rookie of the Year, is averaging 15 points, 5.5 rebounds and five assist for Atlanta in 2025 — her fourth season with the Dream. Four impressive seasons at Kentucky from 2018 to 2022 preceded her professional basketball career. Howard averaged over 20 points across 114 career collegiate games, securing two-time SEC Player of the Year honors in the process. Jackson vividly remembers constant competitive battles against Howard during her overlapping ti