Angel Reese after she is selected with the number seven overall pick to the Chicago Sky n the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Former SEC rivals drafted by Chicago Sky in WNBA Draft

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 4/15/24

After two epic battles during the 2023-24 season, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are now WNBA teammates.

The former LSU and South Carolina stars were selected by the Chicago Sky in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft on Monday night, giving the franchise two incredible frontcourt talents who are already familiar with each other.

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso were battling it out a couple weeks ago in the SEC Tournament

Now, they're teammates in Chicago. WILD pic.twitter.com/OlIxiFEGu5
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 16, 2024

Cardoso and Reese met in the regular season and the SEC Championship Game this past season. Cardoso and South Carolina went 2-0 in those games, but Reese had the statistical edge.

Cardoso averaged 9.5 points and seven rebounds per game, while Reese averaged 15 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in the two meetings.

Prior to the picks, the Sky lacked depth at the four and five, making the decision to double down on front-court players logical.

Chicago ranked 10th in the league in defensive rebounds last season with forward Alanna Smith leading the team at 6.6 rebounds per game.

Cardoso, who was selected No. 3 overall, spoke with reporters after Reese was selected with the seventh pick and expressed excitement about their potential together.

"I think it's gonna be great... Nobody is going to get [any] rebounds on us," Cardoso said.

"Nobody is going to get any rebounds on us.” ️

Kamilla Cardoso is fired up about teaming up with Angel Reese in Chicago

(via @ItsMeghanLHall) pic.twitter.com/UVZllxBcs8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 16, 2024

The duo should also have a mutually beneficial relationship with guard Marina Mabrey, who shot 39 percent from deep. Cardoso and Reese will give Mabrey clean looks with screens, and the spacing Mabrey provides will prevent opponents from packing the paint, allowing both Cardoso and Reese to feast in one-on-one matchups.

When it comes to Chicago's massive new duo, the sky's the limit.

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