SC star Cardoso, likely lottery pick, to enter draft

South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso is declaring for the 2024 WNBA draft, she announced Monday on social media.

Cardoso, a potential lottery pick, is currently projected by ESPN’s Michael Voepel to be selected fourth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks.

“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey so far,” Cardoso wrote in her Instagram post. “I am excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes me.”

Cardoso, a 6-foot-7 center from Brazil, spent the past three seasons at South Carolina after beginning her collegiate career at Syracuse. She only this year became a full-time starter for the Gamecocks following the graduation of Aliyah Boston, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft.

Cardoso leads undefeated South Carolina (36-0) in scoring (14.1 points per game), rebounding (9.4) and blocks (2.5) while averaging just 25.0 minutes.

She is one of two seniors in South Carolina’s rotation, which features a host of freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Te-Hina Paopao, a senior transfer from Oregon and current starter for the Gamecocks, announced last month that she is returning to Columbia for her final season.

South Carolina, the No. 1 overall seed, faces third-seeded NC State in the Final Four on Friday.