Being a rookie in the WNBA is challenging, but Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink is finding support and inspiration from both her teammates and seasoned veterans across the league. Brink, a former Stanford standout and the second overall pick in this year’s draft, has quickly made her mark, yet she’s also adapting to the rigours of professional basketball.
“Diana Taurasi came to me at the free-throw line and said, ‘You know, you’re going to be dealing with this crap for 20 more years,'” Brink shared this with CBS Sports. “I was like, ‘Oh my god. Not with the way I’m playing now.'” Taurasi’s advice was simple but profound: “Just give yourself grace.”
Brink’s defensive prowess, which earned her the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award in college, has smoothly transitioned to the WNBA. She set a record with 19 blocks in her first month, averaging 2.6 blocks per game, placing her third in the league behind Seattle Storm’s Ezi Magbegor and Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson. In her initial nine games, Brink has also averaged 8.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Caught up with Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink. She said Mercury veteran Diana Taurasi recently gave her some advice.
Taurasi: You are going to be dealing with this crap for 20 more years
Brink: Not with the way I’m playing now
Taurasi: Just give yourself grace pic.twitter.com/YVuoaTQS7I
— Isabel Gonzalez (@cisabelg) June 3, 2024
A’ja Wilson, last season’s WNBA Finals MVP, who Brink admires greatly, had kind words for her after their May 18 game, which the Aces won 89-82. “I’ve looked up to her for a long time,” Brink said. “Before the game, I told her I’m just really happy for her and her success. She is the MVP for a reason in this league because she is just versatile; she can literally do everything. That means a lot coming from the MVP. I just hope to have an impact like hers.”
Despite her impressive start, Brink acknowledges the challenges she faces, particularly with foul trouble—a problem that has persisted since her college days. “Foul trouble has definitely carried over from college to the W, which I was expecting,” Brink admitted. “It’s something rookies have to navigate through. I’m not getting frustrated with it, I just know I have to adjust to a new style of play, officiating is different. I take it with a grain of salt. I watch a lot of films, and I think I’m learning a lot.”
Adjusting to life in the WNBA has been a whirlwind for Brink. In quieter moments, she finds herself emotionally moved by how her career and life are coming together. She relishes the simple pleasures, like talking with her parents and enjoying her new California King mattress, a gift from Mattress Firm, which she appreciates for finally accommodating her height.
“It’s amazing,” Brink laughed. “I’m used to my feet hanging off of every single mattress I have ever owned.”
The ups and downs of being a rookie, especially with the Sparks’ current 2-7 record, are made easier by the camaraderie among fellow newcomers. Cameron Brink and other rookies frequently share their experiences and challenges. “I still feel like none of the rookies really have had time to adjust to this new norm that is our lives,” Brink said. “All of our lives have kind of been flipped upside down—in a good way, but it is still kind of jarring. I think we are all still adjusting; I know I am. Every day is a pinch-me moment. Life has completely changed for me, but I’m just thankful for it all and just leading with gratitude because it’s amazing.”
As Cameron Brink continues to navigate her rookie season, the encouragement from legends like Diana Taurasi and A’ja Wilson, combined with her own resilience, promises a bright future for the talented forward.
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