Kamilla Cardoso’s WNBA debut is officially scheduled.
Following a shoulder injury in a preseason game earlier this month, Cardoso will make her first appearance with the Chicago Sky on June 1, as confirmed by coach Teresa Weatherspoon on Tuesday. She will be facing former South Carolina teammate Aliyah Boston and Final Four opponent Caitlin Clark at the Indiana Fever’s home court.
Having won two national championships with the Gamecocks, Cardoso was chosen by the Sky as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She showcased her skills in the preseason game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 3, scoring six points on 3-of-5 shooting, grabbing four rebounds, and blocking two shots in 13 minutes. Unfortunately, she had to sit out the second half after sustaining a shoulder injury due to contact.
Just three days later, Chicago announced that Cardoso would be out for four to six weeks due to the shoulder injury. However, the 6-foot-7 center’s comeback on June 1 is ahead of schedule.
Cardoso shared the news of her return during an Instagram live stream. When asked about the timeline, Weatherspoon responded, “I’m gonna go with what Kamilla says. I’m trusting Kamilla.”
According to Annie Costabile of the Chicago-Sun Times, Tuesday marked Cardoso’s first day back at practice, though she did not fully participate.
Chicago is currently 1-1 after the first week of the 2024 WNBA season, splitting their games against the Dallas Wings on Wednesday and Saturday.
Kamilla Cardoso’s first WNBA game
Who: Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever
When: June 1, noon
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
TV/Stream: ESPN
