Recall…
The No. 20 Tennessee Woman Vols are right now exploring a challenging stage as star forward Rickea Jackson remains sidelined due to a lower leg damage. Head coach Kellie Harper has not given a particular timeline for Jackson’s return, emphasizing the eccentric nature of her recuperation.
Jackson, a vital figure within the Tennessee women’s ball lineup, has missed four recreations since her final appearance on Nov. 9 against Florida State, where she scored 31 focuses with 17 bounce back. Her absence is especially felt within the post and on the sheets, ranges where Tennessee needs profundity. Jackson’s amazing season midpoints of 22 focuses, 12 bounce back and three assists per diversion emphasize her imperative part within the group.
Initially seen as a day-to-day harm, Jackson’s proceeded nonattendance raises concerns. Harper stresses that wounds can be complex, and it’s troublesome to set a settled timeline for recuperation. The center remains on taking after therapeutic advice and guaranteeing Jackson’s wellbeing and prosperity.
“We’re still within the same circumstance where each and each day is the day we’re progressing to be assessing her,” Harper said, by means of Cora Corridor of Knox News. “”Sometimes wounds fair do not permit you to have a timeline … You’ve ought to work with them to assist get them mended and able to urge out on the court.”
Jackson’s choice to return for a fifth season, rather than entering final season’s WNBA Draft where she was anticipated as a lottery choose, reflects her commitment to the Woman Vols. Her college career, which started at Mississippi State beneath three diverse head coaches, highlights her versatility and flexibility.
As the Woman Vols confront the challenge of playing without Jackson, especially in their upcoming amusement against No. 18 Notre Dame on Wednesday, the group must step up and compensate for her nonattendance. Harper’s message to the group is obvious:
they have to be center on making strides their on-court execution while they hold up for Jackson’s return.
“For her, well for honestly any damage, you fair can’t truly put a timetable on it,” Harper said. “It’s fair how she responds, how her body reacts. So we’ll let the athletic coaches and specialists direct us as we go. Clearly we miss her, but meanwhile , the group on the court has have to be get better.”