Sparks take Stanford’s Brink at No. 2, Tennessee’s Jackson at fourth overall

For the first time in franchise history, the Sparks had two of the top four picks in the WNBA Draft, and they used them to add a pair of players they hope will be key pieces of a remade roster.

The Sparks selected Stanford’s Cameron Brink with the second overall pick and Tennessee’s Rickea Jackson with the fourth overall pick on Monday night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York.

“They both were phenomenal in those (draft) interviews,” Sparks general manager Raegen Pebley said. “They talked about winning. They talked about what it takes to be a pro.”

Brink, a 6-foot-4 forward, averaged a double-double with 17.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocked shots on her way to Pac-12 Player of the Year honors as a senior. She was also named the 2024 Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the

Year.

When she was selected, Brink was visibly emotional during her post-pick interview on ESPN.

“It is such a nerve-wrecking environment, we work so hard for this,” said Brink, who had the option to return to Stanford for a fifth season, but announced before the NCAA Tournament that she had declared for the draft. “I’m just very thankful.”

“I had great conversations with the Sparks and Raegan Pebley and (head coach) Curt Miller, and they’re amazing, but you just never know, and I didn’t want to assume anything,” Brink told reporters at the draft. “It’s just such a high-stress environment, as well, so when they called my name, just a huge wave of emotions hit me. When I saw my mom tearing up and my dad, that definitely hit home. Just was super thankful.”

Brink, who helped Stanford win the 2021 national title as a freshman, could be a foundational player to replace the recently departed Nneka Ogwumike, who signed with the Seattle Storm as an unrestricted free agent in February.

In addition to her defensive prowess as a dynamic shot blocker, Brink, described as a modern basketball player by Pebley, could emerge as a stretch forward and a willing shooter from 3-point range while being an effective interior player who shoots nearly 85% from the free-throw line.

“I love that I get to stay on the West Coast,” Brink told reporters in New York. “And I love that (the Sparks) took a chance on me, and I feel like I’m just going to show that I can work really hard and help them a lot.”

Sparks guard Lexie Brown said she is looking forward to playing with the team’s first-round picks.

“They did a great job,” Brown said. “They

ADAM HUNGER — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Stanford’s Cameron Brink, left, poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being taken second by the Sparks.