Posts by Wilton Jackson

Wilton Jackson II covers the Atlanta Dream and the SEC for The Next. A native of Jackson, Miss., Wilton previously worked for Sports Illustrated along with other media outlets. He also freelances for different media entities as well. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism (broadcast) before earning a Master's degree in mass communication from LSU and a second Master's degree in sport management from Jackson State University.

A coach shouts on the sidelines of a basketball court. She is wearing a black suit with blue trim.

2025-26 SEC preview

October 30, 2025

Texas, LSU, Oklahoma and Tennessee are among the top challengers for the nation’s No. 2, South Carolina

‘What’s delayed is not denied’: The rise, fall and unfinished business of the Atlanta Dream

September 28, 2025

Jordin Canada: ‘Atlanta will be back. I guarantee that’

How Rhyne Howard lifted the Atlanta Dream in home playoff opener

September 15, 2025

Howard: ‘We know that the playoffs is a whole new ball game’

Atlanta Dream players Allisha Gray (15) and Rhyne Howard (10) stand with their backs to the camera in a huddle. On the other side of the huddle are Te-Hina Paopao and Karl Smesko.

Atlanta Dream seek to turn historic 30-win season into playoff success

September 14, 2025

Karl Smesko: ‘I want it to be an intimidating environment for our opponents coming in here’

Atlanta Dream players Allisha Gray (15) and Rhyne Howard (10) stand with their backs to the camera in a huddle. On the other side of the huddle are Te-Hina Paopao and Karl Smesko.

The Dream’s revival: How Karl Smesko turned belief into a franchise record and a Coach of the Year push

September 4, 2025

Dream general manager Dan Padover: ‘In one year, for him to take a team and become a top team, that’s unbelievable to me’

The anatomy of Atlanta’s surge — how the Dream have become a real threat

August 25, 2025

Hillmon: ‘Our defense really fuels us’

How Te-Hina Paopao’s energy carried the Atlanta Dream in tough first half vs. Valkyries

August 18, 2025

Karl Smesko on Paopao: ‘She’s explosive when she gets in. She’s somebody you really have to respect once she’s on the floor’

Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon shoots a free throw while Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray stands in the background with her hands on her hips

From role player to sixth-woman favorite, Naz Hillmon has found her range

August 11, 2025

With her mother watching from the stands, Hillmon has redefined her game and her role

Atlanta Dream guard Maya Caldwell (33) dribbles alongside Phoenix's Kahleah Copper (2)

Maya Caldwell is right where she’s meant to be — and she’s proving it with the Dream

August 3, 2025

Caldwell: ‘I’m living in a blessing right now’

Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) holds the ball with two hands with her body turned to the side while being defended by Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44)

Atlanta Dream vs. The Elite: the team’s rising stock and Brittney Griner’s timely spark

July 27, 2025

Karl Smesko: ‘There are times where we play at a level that is right at the top of the league. The challenge is to stay there longer’