Kamilla Cardoso is accustomed to taking on significant responsibilities on elite teams. During the 2023–24 season, Cardoso played a key role in the South Carolina women’s basketball team’s unbeaten record and national title win. Now a rookie for the Chicago Sky, Cardoso finds herself up against some of the best WNBA opponents. However, head coach Teresa Weatherspoon provided an important explanation of Cardoso’s influence.
Following the first half of the WNBA season, Weatherspoon was asked what she had observed from Cardoso. The head coach responded with a single word:
After the Sky defeated the Las Vegas Aces 93-85 on July 16, Weatherspoon spoke the word “presence.”
Her presence is really meaningful. When it comes to grabbing rebounds and initiating our transition, Kamilla excels. She does an excellent job of providing defense. It makes no difference who she is protecting. She is confident in herself. Furthermore, you never witness Kamilla showing any signs of disappointment when the ball doesn’t fall. She keeps playing and plays with great intensity. It will only benefit her and all of us, especially her, that she is now receiving more reps below her, Weatherspoon continued.
Cardoso’s season average through the first eighteen games of the season is 8.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Teresa Weatherspoon pointed out that the rookie center is becoming more at ease with every repetition she gets. Cardoso is a 6-foot-7 man that guards rarely like to drive into. She has a talent for making important blocks with her length, and her timing will only become better.
The Sky are hopeful that, like she did with the South Carolina women’s basketball team, Cardoso may develop into one of the top two-way inside powers in the WNBA.
If Kamilla Cardoso makes progress in these crucial areas, she can become a monster for the Sky.
After scoring against the New York Liberty, Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) celebrates with guard Lindsay Allen (15).
Krzaczynski Kamil, USA TODAY Sports
Teresa Weatherspoon made a list of the things she wants Cardoso to work on early in July, with an emphasis on offensive.
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“She’s drawing attention. Prior to the Sky’s 71-84 loss to the Storm on July 7, Weatherspoon stated, “Now it’s about finishing.” It’s about finding your places and securing the position you desire. With the way post players are these days, it all comes down to muscle and power under the hoop. Reaching your position, securing your base, and completing with strength.
Although Cardoso has potential in the paint, Chicago needs her to increase her productivity. Through the first half of the season, she is shooting 46.2 percent from the field. If she makes more of her shots, she will become even more of a menace.
In the New York Liberty’s 81-67 defeat over Chicago, Cardoso shot 3-for-8 from the field. Her attempts to rim were obviously difficult because Jonquel Jones, a former All-Star, was there. However, a few missed shots determine whether a team wins or loses. It will take some time as Cardoso is only beginning her quest, but when she does, it will be extremely significant for Chicago.
Teresa Weatherspoon continued, “[Cardoso’s] increased efficiency is going to help us tremendously.” She is powerful. When you gain control over the paint, it becomes more accessible to us.
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