As the WNBA regular season tips off, two of college basketball’s biggest stars — Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso — find themselves in an unexpected situation: starting their pro careers slower than expected, with growing frustration and something to prove.

What was supposed to be a highly anticipated rookie campaign for the Chicago Sky’s two frontcourt phenoms now feels more like a “Rookie Season 2.0” reset, and fans are already asking: What’s really going on?

From NCAA Superstars to Pro Growing Pains

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso dominated the college game:

Reese: NCAA Champion, LSU icon, double-double machine

Cardoso: 2024 NCAA Champion, Final Four MVP, South Carolina anchor

But in the WNBA? Things are off to a bumpy start.

🚑 Cardoso Injury Setback

Cardoso suffered a shoulder injury during the preseason that will sideline her for at least 4–6 weeks, stalling her debut and robbing fans of an immediate impact from one of the most dominant centers in women’s college history.

“It’s tough,” Cardoso said. “You train so hard to be ready, then this happens before your first real game. But I’m staying patient.”

 Angel Reese: Frustrated but Focused

Meanwhile, Reese has played — but the transition has been anything but smooth:

Struggled with early foul trouble

Playing in a cluttered frontcourt rotation

Adjusting to the speed and physicality of the WNBA game

And facing enormous media pressure, especially with Caitlin Clark comparisons dominating the narrative

“I know what I bring,” Reese told reporters. “I’ve been underestimated before. This is just the beginning.”

Why This Feels Like a ‘Rookie Season 2.0’

Unlike Caitlin Clark — who has been thrust into a franchise-player role with the Indiana Fever — Reese and Cardoso are entering the league with different expectations, different minutes, and less immediate freedom to showcase their full potential.

Both are:

Adjusting from being team leaders to role players

Dealing with veteran-dominated rotations

Learning a much more complex pro game

Managing sky-high fan and media pressure

Many fans thought their college dominance would translate instantly — but the WNBA doesn’t work that way.

“This league is grown-woman basketball,” one analyst noted.
“No one coasts here — even if you were a star 3 months ago.”

The Long Game for Chicago

The Sky are rebuilding with youth and grit, and the frontcourt of Reese and Cardoso still represents a huge part of that vision. But it may take time — and patience — to see them reach their potential.

Cardoso will return mid-season, likely in limited minutes

Reese is developing on the fly, showing flashes of elite rebounding and defensive tenacity

Chemistry and experience will come — but not overnight

Chicago fans hoping for instant dominance may have to settle for steady growth instead of highlight reels — for now.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Count Them Out

Yes, it’s frustrating. Yes, the start hasn’t gone as planned. But calling either of these players “overhyped” is premature and short-sighted.

Both Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso are built for the long haul — physically, mentally, and competitively. This “Rookie Season 2.0” may be slower than expected, but it might be exactly what they need to become long-term stars.