Kamilla Cardoso of Sky delivers distinct cautionary statement within WNBA context
Rewritten Article:
Be ready for Kamilla Cardoso to dominate the WNBA scene in the upcoming 2025 season, as the Chicago Sky standout sets her sights on a bigger year for herself. With a stacked new team, a fresh coaching approach under Tyler Marsh, some high-performance overseas, and serious training under her belt, Cardoso's service announcement to the WNBA is clear: she's coming for the throne.
Cardoso gave the media a sneak peek into the aspects of her game she focused on during the off-season, and laid out her plans for continued growth throughout the new season.
The sophomore pro couldn't contain her excitement about the Sky's escalated playing pace compared to the previous year. Last season, the team ranked low in the league with a rate of 78.2, but Cardoso is confident they're taking it up a notch.
Comparing herself to the player she was as a rookie, Cardoso openly declared, "I'm a totally different player." This new identity should make her an even bigger headache for opponents in the W.
In the spirit of camaraderie, a little playful banter erupted between Cardoso and fellow Sky star Angel Reese, with Reese joking about Cardoso's 3-point shooting. Van Lith weighed in on the discussion, offering an optimistic prediction about Reese's upcoming reunion with the team. Sitting on the cusp of the regular season, the outspoken Sky star, Cardoso, laid down a guarantee about her Year 2 performance.
When asked to elaborate on her transformation, Cardoso pointed to her efficiency—and her newfound confidence while guarding opposing players. She admitted that self-assuredness about her abilities was something she needed to develop last off-season, and she's feeling rejuvenated now that she's embraced it. "I know what I'm capable of doing," she asserted.
One concrete example of Cardoso's growth was her work on her defense, particularly on the switch-to-guards and overall confidence in shutting down opposing teams.
The No. 3 overall pick has been a pillar of the Sky's offense since her rookie year, averaging 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and a league-topping 1.4 blocks on a humbling 52.1% shooting percentage. Her outstanding post game efforts earned her a coveted spot on the WNBA All-Rookie team in 2024.
As the Sky gear up for the regular season opener against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on May 17, Cardoso will unveil the latest facets of her game to the world.
On the side-lines: Some analysts predict Cardoso has the potential to bag the Most Improved Player award in 2025, which suggests a focus on consistent growth, elevating her team, and adaptability to different defensive strategies could be crucial to her success.
Socket:Based on her impressive rookie season statistics and her expressed confidence, Kamilla Cardoso is anticipated to make a significant impact in the upcoming 2025 season. To become a standout player, she is expected to focus on areas such as:
- Consistent High Performance: To bring the Most Improved Player award home, Cardoso will need to maintain high-quality play throughout the season.
- Leadership and Team Impact: With her prediction to dominate, Cardoso will likely concentrate on developing her leadership skills and uplifting her teammates' performance.
- Adaptability: To excel against various defensive strategies, improving her ability to score against different types of defenses will be vital.
Kamilla Cardoso's expected focus on becoming a standout player in the upcoming 2025 WNBA season includes striving for consistent high performance to contend for the Most Improved Player award. Additionally, she aims to develop her leadership skills and uplift her teammates' performance, as well as improve her adaptability to score against various defensive strategies.
