Recognizing both the talent presented in the 2024 WNBA Draft and the competitive nature of his coaching staff, the Chicago Sky’s general manager — despite possessing the No. 3 and No. 7 selections — reasonably wasn’t ready to attach the term “rebuild” to the upcoming season. As history would ultimately prove during the postseason push to come, taking Kamilla Cardoso with the first of those picks raised Chicago’s ceiling, both figuratively and literally, to a level some would deem “sky high.” Chapter One of Cardoso’s on-court journey officially began on June 1, 2024, bounded by both familiar collegiate teammates and opponents. Back healthy and poised to bring South Carolina’s cherished gifts to the Windy City, Cardoso impressed almost immediately. Working post-ups, putbacks, and productive work both on the glass and as a rim protector, Cardoso’s night concluded with 11 points (on a near-perfect five-of-seven shooting), six rebounds, and a +11 plus-minus across 18 minutes of play. Both history and hilarity, as her new wave of online fans can attest, weren’t far behind, as the skilled 6-foot-7 big joined her fellow classmate as a night-to-night threat for a double-double, promptly turning Chicago into a must-watch product along the way. · Jun 1, 2024