Jackson State's Angel Jackson is selected No. 36 by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024 WNBA draft
Jackson State center Angel Jackson was selected with the 36th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces on Monday night.
Jackson was the only player from an HBCU program selected in the draft.
She becomes the second Jackson State player drafted by a WNBA team. Ameshya Williams-Holliday was selected in 2022 by the Indiana Fever in the third round with the 25th overall pick.
"I'm super proud of Angel Jackson on being selected tonight for the Las Vegas Aces," Jackson State coach Tomekia Reed told the Clarion Ledger. "She came into our program doing great things and never looked back. She has trusted our leadership as we were able to develop her into an amazing player. I have watched her improve tremendously over the years.
"I am proud that we are able to do great things right in our HBCU community. I know Angel will do a great job once she lands in Vegas. She loves the game and has worked hard for this moment. I plan on being there with her for a brief moment when she touches in Vegas. I'm so happy her dream has come true. I am one proud coach."
Reed posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, "You have NO IDEA how proud I am!!! Our 2nd player to get drafted!!! Angel I'm so very proud of you BABY!!! GREAT JOB!!!! Go do your thing!! #MYHBCU
You have NO IDEA how proud I am!!!! Our 2nd player to get drafted!!! Angel I’m so very proud of you BABY!!! @hooper_angel15 GREAT JOB!!!!!! Go do your thing!! #MYHBCU https://t.co/lAn3cDaCpB
— Coach Tomekia Reed (@CoachTReed) April 16, 2024
Jackson, a 6-foot-6 post and the two-time Southwestern Athletic Conference defensive player of the year, helped lead the Tigers to a 26-7 record and an NCAA Tournament berth. Jackson led the conference with 2.9 blocked shots per game, and she averaged 10 points per game.
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Jackson played three seasons at the University of Southern California, before transferring to Jackson State.
She will join the two-time defending WNBA Champions Aces, whose roster includes A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum and Candace Parker. The WNBA season opens May 14.
J.T. Keith is the HBCU Sports editor for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at JKeith@gannett.com or reach him on Twitter @JTKEITH1.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson State's Angel Jackson picked by Las Vegas Aces in WNBA draft