Everything Kamilla Cardoso said after being drafted by the Chicago Sky
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South Carolina women’s basketball player Kamilla Cardoso was drafted by the Chicago Sky during Monday night’s WNBA Draft. Here is what she had to say during the press conference that followed.
Q. You will be coached by one of the legends of the game in Teresa Weatherspoon after being coached by another legend in Dawn Staley. What does it mean to be coached by two legends of the game?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: It means the most to me. Just tells me that I’m going to be in good hands, and I’m just excited to get there and get to work with her.
Q. Just talk about the experience that you enjoyed today. I know you said it was your first time at the Empire State Building earlier. Just talk about what a day it’s been for you.
KAMILLA CARDOSO: It’s been an amazing day. It was my first time over there. Just a nice view.
Getting my hair done and my makeup done was also amazing. Getting here, getting drafted was amazing. It’s just been a really special moment for me, and everything is going just like I dreamt of.
Q. I just wanted to know as a big big, as somebody who is following in the tradition we’ve seen in this league, who are some of the players you are most hoping to emulate, whether it’s a Sylvia Fowles — where do you see your pattern emerging in this league?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: I would say just getting in the league and bringing my winning leadership, my winning mentality. We won two national championships, so…
Q. What is it that you’re looking forward to the most competing at this level compared to when you were competing for national championships?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: Just getting better, being more physical, more competition. I’m just excited to get out there and play with some of the big names of women’s basketball.
Q. Could you have ever imagined that you’d be sitting here today as a No. 3 pick when you were growing up in Brazil, before even making the jump to come play overseas here in the U.S.?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: Yeah, I feel like that was the dream, but honestly, no, I didn’t really expect this. I’m just so proud that I am here right now. I know little Kamilla, when I was 13 years old, is also proud. I’m just excited to be here and happy.
Q. You were kind of emotional with Holly Rowe. I just want to ask how would you summarize everything from winning the national championship to getting drafted? What was going through your mind in that moment?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: It’s been a crazy couple of days. I’m just so proud of my teammates for winning the national championship. I’m just so happy to be here.
I got really emotional because the main goal was to get here and being able to give my family a better life, and just by looking at them and seeing them at my table was amazing. I obviously get emotional when I talk about my family because I’m so proud of everything I was able to accomplish and do for them.
Q. Angel Reese was just drafted, seventh to the Sky. How do you think your games will complement each other?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: I think it’s going to be great. She’s a great player. I’m a great player. So two great players together. Nobody is going to get no rebounds on us.
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Q. Have you ever been to Chicago, and what are your thoughts about the city and coming here?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: This is actually going to be my first time in Chicago. I’m really excited. I’ve heard really good things about it. You have some of the best pizzas. I’m excited to get there.
Q. I was wondering if you were aware of the global attention around women’s basketball and around you and your team. Are you planning on playing some day in the future in Europe or somewhere else?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: Yeah, I would like to go play overseas somewhere. I think that gets you better. Every time I played for my national team, it got me better somehow. So I’m excited to go to the WNBA and be able to play overseas somewhere.
Q. You are one of 13 Gamecocks in training camp this year. What about Dawn Staley and that program really brings people ready for this next level?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: Yeah, I feel like that tells you a lot about Coach Staley. She gets you ready for this level. She gets you prepared for whenever you step to the next level, and like I said, that just tells you everything about her. She gets you super prepared for the league.
Q. Kamilla, with everything that you were able to accomplish at the collegiate level, what do you think is going to be a great first-year accomplishment for you in the WNBA?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: I don’t know, I’m just excited to get there, get to work, learn from the best and just step up my game. Step my game up.
Q. After such a great experience in the NCAAs, playing under Dawn Staley, how do you envision yourself into the WNBA? What is your main goal as a WNBA player?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: My main goal as a WNBA player is just to step my game, being a sponge, soaking in everything from everybody, learn each and every day, and be a better version of myself each and every day. Be open to learning new stuff and stay ready.
Q. What has been your conversation so far with Teresa and Jeff (Pagliocca)? And which player — I guess any specific that you’re most looking forward to joining forces with within the Sky?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: My conversations with them have been amazing. I’m all about energy. She has a great energy. He has a great energy. I’m just excited to get there and get to work with them.
And about specific to me, I’m just excited to meet the whole team.
Q. Angel was just selected with the No. 7 overall pick. What are your thoughts on you two being a front court of the future for the Chicago Sky?
KAMILLA CARDOSO: I’m happy. I’m really excited. She’s a great player. I’m a great player. I think we’re going to do great things together.
