Mississippi State women's basketball forward Rickea Jackson, the SEC's leading scorer this season, plans to enter the transfer portal, she announced in a social media post Monday.
"First and foremost, I would like to say that my time in Starkville has been absolutely amazing," Jackson, a junior from Detroit, wrote on Instagram. "It was always a dream to play in the SEC, and Hail State gave me that incredible opportunity.
"I have grown so much as an individual and as a basketball player over the past 3 years. Starkville became home and I will always be part of the Mississippi State family. With that being said, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal and find a new place to call home. Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way."
Jackson averaged 20.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in 15 games this season for the 11-7 Bulldogs, who have lost three straight. Jackson would need to turn 22 this calendar year to enter the 2022 draft. She turns 21 in March.
Jackson was recruited by former Bulldogs coach Vic Schaefer and played her freshman season for him. He left for Texas before the 2020-21 season, and Nikki McCray-Penson took over as head coach. She stepped down for health reasons in October, and Doug Novak -- hired as an assistant in September -- was then elevated to interim head coach.
Jackson's mother, Caryn, said in a text message to The Clarion-Ledger, "She just wants out for mental health reasons."
The newspaper also reported, citing sources with knowledge of the situation, that there was tension between several players on the team.