“It’s Really Frustrating”: Kamilla Cardoso Reflects on Challenging Start as Angel Reese Shines in WNBA Debut

All was going well for Chicago Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso. She won the NCAA championship and had an undefeated season with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Next, she was drafted as the third overall pick by the Chicago Sky. However, things took a devastating turn when she played the preseason opening game against the Minnesota Lynx and injured her shoulder in the process.

Recently, Kamilla Cardoso addressed her battle with the injury, expressing her emotions regarding the setback. Due to her injury, she had to sit out for the game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday, which had her reflecting on the situation though out of her control. This sudden blow made fans empathize with Cardoso’s tough circumstance.

Kamilla Cardoso gets emotional while reflecting on her injury

Kamilla Cardoso couldn’t help but express her “frustration” at the current situation. She was present during Chicago’s media day and gave her fans a glimpse into her troubles. “Just being at practice, watching, keep learning even though I’m not able to practice. Just watching the play, learning the play. And just staying connected to my teammates. They be very supportive, they be helping me a lot,” Cardoso stated.

Furthermore, Kamilla Cardoso added, “As it is frustrating, I never got hurt before. I never had to sit out a game before in my life. So it’s really frustrating but I know I’ve got some really good people here. They got my back and I just gotta trust God. I believe everything happen for a reason. Even though I don’t understand what is the reason may be right now, but I just gotta keep trusting God.” 

Though Kamilla Cardoso was the highest pick in the Sky this season, she couldn’t make much of her debut against the Minnesota Lynx. She could only play for 13 minutes in an 81-92 loss to the Lynx. During that time, Cardoso potted a decent 6 points and was looking to get accustomed to the big stage. Sadly, that’s when she injured her shoulder.

As per the latest reports, the 23-year-old might have to sit out for the next 4-6 weeks, which can be excruciatingly difficult for the former Gamecocks star. Especially since she has never had to warm the bench due to an injury or for this long. Notably, the situation was the opposite for her former rival and now teammate, Angel Reese.

Chicago Sky has a lot on the plate other than the injuries of Kamilla Cardoso

While Kamilla Cardoso had a bad start to the season, Reese made the most of the time she played. Playing for 24 minutes, she basketed 13 points, announcing her arrival on the big stage. During the next game, Reese again gained 13 points.

Therefore, she looks to be cementing her place in the Sky lineup. And she can also get a spot in the starting five in the regular season opener against the Dallas Wings on May 15. As for now, Cardoso’s injury isn’t the only bad luck facing the Sky. The team has suffered a monumental loss, with six of their players on the injury list. Currently, Diamond DeShields and Brianna Turner are facing knee issues. However, they are most likely to get fit before the regular season opener.

Out of the next four players, only Isabelle Harrison is a little questionable, but the rest will not play. While Taya Reimer will not play due to a concussion, Brynna Maxwell will be out due to a knee injury. And Kamilla Cardoso is the last player who will not be playing.

Hopefully, Cardoso will recover soon and start contributing her best in the WNBA. Fans would be hoping the same for the remaining players and wishing that the Sky come out on top this season. What’s your take on these current hurdles surrounding Kamilla Cardoso and Co.? Let us know below.