“Get healed up and back out there” - South Carolina HC Dawn Staley pens heartfelt message for Sparks star Cameron Brink

Cameron Brink, the number two overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, suffered a knee injury during Tuesday's game against Connecticut. Brink slipped while driving to the rim and appeared to be hobbling during the initial minutes of the game. As she could barely hold her own, she was assisted by staff members to the locker room.

Now, as Los Angeles Sparks announce that Brink suffered an ACL tear, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley echoes WNBA and college fans’ sentiments to the rookie.

“Prayers up Cam! Know your basketball family want nothing but for you to get healed up and back out there! Love!,” Staley replied to a Bleacher Report’s update on Brink’s injury.

Li Yueru replaced Brink for the remainder of the game for her season-high 26 minutes. The center churned out 11 points on 5 of 6 shooting. However, it was not enough as the Sparks lost 79-70.

The injury update dampens Cameron Brink’s run for the Rookie of the Year award. She has been a regular starter for the Sparks’ and was producing an average of 7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Moreover, she was third on the list of block leaders with 2.3 blocks per game.

Brink was also a part of the USA women’s 3x3 squad that would play in the Paris Olympics. The week-long competition begins at the end of July and does not give Brink adequate time to make a healthy comeback.

Cameron Brink opens up on her injury

The latest updates end Cameron Brink's rookie year. However, the center is determined to make a strong return to the court. Learning about her recent adversity, Brink recently took to Instagram to share the mentality she intends to keep throughout recovery.

As Brink spoke about the unpredictability and ripple effects of injuries, she was immediately comforted by her fellow WNBA stars A'Ja Wilson, Azzi Fudd, Lisa Leslie, Angel Reese and Breanna Stewart. Moreover, sports icons like Coco Gauff and Isaiah Thomas also motivated Brink on her IG post.

Cameron Brink's road to recovery is going to be a long one. She will now have to undergo surgery, wait for the graft in her knee to heal, and then only could she begin rehabilitating. Moreover, even if she shows signs of early recovery, Brink will be advised to sit out the season and use the 2025 off-season to her advantage.