"She is soaking it all up": Caryn Jackson thanks Diana Taurasi for heartwarming embrace with daughter Rickea Jackson

Rickea Jackson has been one of the brightest rookies in the WNBA today after being picked fourth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 draft. Jackson has been impressive with the Sparks as she earned more trust and playing time from the coaching staff.

On Friday, she shared the court with WNBA legend Diana Taurasi as the Sparks faced the Phoenix Mercury. Despite Los Angeles’ 92-78 loss against the Mercury, Jackson had a moment with the 42-year-old Taurasi, embracing in the middle of the court.

After the hug, Taurasi was seen greeting Jackson. She was also seen giving some pep talk to the rookie in what was a heartfelt gesture from the veteran.

Because of this, Rickea Jackson’s mother Caryn expressed her appreciation of Taurasi on X, who has been playing in the WNBA since 2004, back when Jackson was still just three years old.

“I appreciate 🩶 she is soaking it all up…. Thanks ⁦ @DianaTaurasi ⁩ 🙏🏽,” said Caryn Jackson with a screenshot of when Taurasi embraced her daughter Rickea Jackson.

Jackson finished the game with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting from the field. Taurasi, meanwhile, put up 20 points, four rebounds, and six assists on 7-of-11 shooting clip.

The win put the Mercury above .500 with a 9-8 win-loss record, while the Sparks continue to slide down the standings with now a 4-14 card. The Sparks have been struggling with manpower recently as rookie Cameron Brink was ruled out for the season with a torn ACL, and guard Lexie Brown was sidelined indefinitely with an illness.

Rickea Jackson shares bond with Sparks’ veterans

Rickea Jackson is touted to be one of the cornerstones of the Los Angeles Sparks for the future, alongside fellow rookie Cameron Brink.

Jackson shared how she is getting molded with the Sparks in an interview with Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina.

“Every vet has helped me in every different way. Some are vocal, some are for emotional support. Everyone here is so welcoming. They definitely are here for me,” said Jackson.

In the same interview, Jackson also credited teammates Dearica Hambry, Azura Stevens, Layshia Clarendon, and Kia Nurse in her growth in her career so far.

She also mentioned her bond with Brink, who was picked second overall by the Sparks.

“I’m grateful that I came in with a player like that to be so selfless and caring…It has made the transition better. I would have hated to have been the only rookie drafted here. But to have her here by my side and going through this journey and us growing together, it means a lot” she said of Brink.

Rickea Jackson has stepped up for the Sparks this season, averaging 9.8 points, and 3.3 rebounds per game