“I won’t be surprised when she becomes WNBA MVP”: When Dawn Staley heaped praise on Chicago Sky freshman Kamilla Cardoso

Nothing makes Dawn Staley prouder than seeing the rise of her former star player Kamilla Cardoso. The South Carolina coach talked about her expectations for the Chicago Sky star in the WNBA in an interview with WGN News' Dave Eanet on YouTube on June 18, 2024.

Staley witnessed the rapid development of Cardoso, who played three seasons at South Carolina before turning professional. The Brazilian star's scoring and rebounding averages increased from her sophomore to senior seasons, establishing herself as one of the best centers in the NCAA.

The Sky took notice, selecting Cardoso with the third overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She posted solid numbers in her rookie season with Chicago, averaging 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 blocks through 32 games.

She shot 52.1% from the field and made 29 starts for the Sky. For Staley, the sky is the limit for Cardoso in the WNBA.

"Kamilla, I won’t be surprised when she becomes a WNBA MVP of the league. I won’t be surprised," Staley said (Timestamp 1:56).

Dawn Staley explained why she expects Cardoso to dominate the WNBA in the near future.

"She’s got that kind of skillset. She’s got that kind of 1-of-1 mentality, 6’7”, agile, got great hands, got great touch around the rim."

Staley wants Cardoso to improve on her shooting for the Chicago Sky star to become an even better player in the league.

"I’m excited to see when she expands her game and starts shooting a lot more. She’s probably shot more from the outside than she ever did at South Carolina, so I’m looking forward to seeing her development."

Dawn Staley and Kamilla Cardoso led South Carolina to two NCAA titles

Dawn Staley and Kamilla Cardoso's partnership at South Carolina was a fruitful one as the pair led the Gamecocks to two national championships during their time in Columbia.

The duo first won the NCAA title together in 2022 when the Gamecocks defeated the UConn Huskies 64-49 in the national championship game.

South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso holds the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship trophy before a parade and celebration on April 14, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. Photo: Getty

Cardoso had a more prominent role in South Carolina's title win in 2024. She averaged 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in her senior season, leading the Gamecocks to a title clash with Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Cardoso ended her college career on a winning note, recording 15 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks in South Carolina's 87-75 victory over Iowa.