Kamilla Cardoso recently had a whirlwind experience, first winning a national championship with the South Carolina Gamecocks in an undefeated season, then being drafted into the WNBA. The celebrations began as soon as the team landed back on campus, with fans lining up to greet the players. Cardoso and her teammate even worked a shift at a local restaurant to serve chicken tenders to fans. Despite Iowa getting off to a strong start in the championship game, South Carolina was able to come back and win, with Cardoso scoring key points and playing strong defense against star player Caitlin Clark.
As Cardoso navigates the excitement of winning a national championship and preparing for the WNBA draft, she remains focused on staying grounded and managing her time between celebrations and meetings with WNBA coaches and staff. She is expected to be a high draft pick, with mock drafts predicting she could be selected by either the Los Angeles Sparks or the Chicago Sky. Despite the overwhelming nature of the situation, Cardoso is looking forward to the next chapter in her basketball career and is eager to see where she will end up in the WNBA.
The Brazilian native had an impressive season, averaging 14.4 points and 9.0 rebounds, and delivering strong performances in key games, such as the championship match against Iowa. She credits her team’s poise and ability to come back from deficits as crucial factors in their success. Cardoso also acknowledges the talent of opposing players like Caitlin Clark, while emphasizing the importance of playing strong defense to try and limit their impact on the game.
The celebrations for the national championship victory are coinciding with the anticipation of the WNBA draft, which will take place on Monday night. Cardoso is excited for the opportunity to take her basketball career to the next level and is looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that come with playing professionally. As she prepares to leave for the draft in New York, Cardoso is balancing the excitement of the moment with her focus on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Cardoso’s journey from winning a national championship to being drafted into the WNBA is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball. She has proven herself as a talented player and a key contributor to her team’s success. As she looks ahead to the next phase of her career, Cardoso remains grateful for the opportunities she has been given and is excited to see where her basketball journey will take her next. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see how Cardoso’s skills and talents will translate to the professional level as she embarks on this new chapter in her basketball career.
