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Kamilla Cardoso’s rise through the basketball ranks hasn’t just been about her own size, strength, and skill—it’s also been shaped by the players she grew up watching.
Now one of the brightest young stars in the WNBA, Cardoso openly points to fellow player A’ja Wilson as the blueprint that helped her find her way in the game.
In a recent conversation with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Cardoso lit up when asked about her early inspirations. “A’ja Wilson. I always watched her play and when I went to college [South Carolina] they talked a lot about her career and I’ve always admired her game, so yeah,” she explained. For Cardoso, it wasn’t just about highlight reels—it was about learning how to carry yourself at the highest level of competition.
That influence has been visible throughout Cardoso’s journey. From her days at South Carolina to her rookie campaign in the pros, she’s shown the same kind of poise and presence in the paint that made Wilson a household name.
Watching Wilson’s footwork, defensive timing, and ability to finish through contact gave Cardoso a model to study, but she’s careful to carve her own lane in the process.
Speaking of the footwork, Cardoso has also been spotted on the court wearing Wilson’s signature sneakers, another testament to the WNBA player’s influence.
Drafted third overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Cardoso wasted no time proving she belonged. Averaging 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in her first season, she quickly became one of the most reliable inside forces in the league.
Cardoso’s South Carolina background also played a big role in reinforcing that mindset. The program constantly reminded players of the greats who came before them, and Wilson’s name came up often. That culture of respecting history while building the future shaped how Cardoso sees the game.
