The Chicago Sky’s highly anticipated rookie, Kamilla Cardoso, is set to miss a significant portion of the early WNBA season due to a shoulder injury, the team announced today. The third overall pick in last month’s WNBA Draft will be sidelined for an estimated four to six weeks as she recovers, dealing a blow to the Sky’s aspirations for the upcoming season.
Cardoso, a towering 6-foot 7-inch center, sustained the injury during the Sky’s preseason matchup against the Minnesota Lynx last Friday. The extent of the injury became apparent following subsequent medical evaluations, prompting the team to make the announcement regarding her absence.
The Brazilian-born player boasts an impressive basketball pedigree, having made waves during her collegiate career. After transferring from Syracuse following her freshman year, Cardoso flourished at the University of South Carolina, where she played a pivotal role in the Gamecocks’ undefeated season. Averaging 14.4 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game, Cardoso emerged as a force to be reckoned with, culminating in a standout performance in the NCAA women’s basketball championship game.
Cardoso had a special senior year at South Carolina
In her senior year, Cardoso’s dominance was on full display as she guided South Carolina to victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the championship game. Her stellar 15-point, 17-rebound outing earned her the title of the tournament’s most outstanding player, solidifying her status as one of the top prospects in women’s basketball.
While Cardoso’s absence presents a setback for the Sky, she remains determined to bounce back stronger once she completes her rehabilitation process. The team will closely monitor her progress over the coming weeks as she undergoes further evaluation. In addition to Cardoso, the Sky’s rookie guard Bryanna Maxwell finds herself sidelined with a knee injury. Maxwell’s status will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks, further complicating the team’s early-season preparations.
