The South Carolina basketball program was in the unique position this season of having no players completely out of eligibility. However, with three players eligible for the WNBA Draft, Gamecock fans knew that the likelihood of having everyone back in the 2024-2025 season was low.
The most likely of the older players to declare for the draft always seemed to be post player Kamilla Cardoso. The 6'7" Cardoso has become one of the top players in the country during her time in Columbia, and her WNBA Draft stock is high.
It was no surprise then on Monday when Kamilla Cardoso made things official and declared for the WNBA Draft.
Still have unfinished business 😈 pic.twitter.com/E6HHNKG2BD
— Kamilla_Cardoso (@Kamillascsilva) April 2, 2024
In a classy message to her family, teammates, coaches, and South Carolina basketball fans, Cardoso revealed her decision to forego her final year of eligibility.
Cardoso has been projected as high as the 4th pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and it is easy to see why.
At 6'7", Cardoso will be one of the tallest players in the W, and she has plenty of traits that will translate to big-time production at the professional level. Cardoso led the SEC in field goal percentage this year as she is really good down low but also takes smart shots. She also led the conference in blocked shots.
Caitlin Clark is a lock to be the top pick, and she will join former Gamecock Aliyah Boston with the Indiana Fever. With Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson seemingly set to be picked 2nd and 3rd, the #4 pick makes a lot of sense for Cardoso. If she does go 4th to the Los Angeles Sparks, she would be reunited with former Gamecock Zia Cooke. The Sparks have the 2nd pick, as well, so they could pick up both post players of the future with Brink or Jackson and then Cardoso.
For now, though, Kamilla Cardoso and South Carolina basketball have some business to handle. They will play in their 4th straight Final Four, taking on the NC State Wolfpack on Friday before a potential national championship game on Sunday.