Star WNBA rookie suffers torn ACL, will miss Paris Olympics

Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink, left, reacts after forward Rickea Jackson drew a foul during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)AP Photo/Ryan Sun

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Brandon Champion | [email protected]

One of the WNBA’s bright young stars will miss the rest of her rookie season.

Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft, will also miss the Paris Olympics after suffering a torn ACL in her left knee during Tuesday’s game against the Connecticut Sun.

The Sparks announced the injury on Wednesday. Brink, a former Stanford star where she won a national title in 2021, had started all 15 games while averaging 8.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.

“You never think it will happen to you,” Brink wrote on Instagram. “And despite all the hard work sometimes it does. This is hard to fathom but I know it will only make me stronger. I will not be derailed and I will continue to love this life — I’m not defined by basketball, but it is something that I love deeply and I will work everyday to get back to it. It’s not goodbye basketball it’s just a see you later. I’m always so thankful for your thoughts and prayers.”

Brink appeared to slip while driving to the basket. She had to be helped off the court by her teammates and was eventually carried to the locker room.

Her loss is a big one of the Sparks, the WNBA and the U.S. Olympic team since Brink was named to the four-member 3×3 team for the Paris Olympics. She must be replaced on the Olympic roster.

“Our thoughts are with Cameron as we wish her a speedy recovery,” USA Basketball said in a statement. “As a result of Cam’s injury, USA Basketball will begin the process of selecting an athlete to join the 2024 USA 3×3 Women’s National Team. We hope to see Cam back on the court and representing the red, white and blue soon.”

The Sparks (4-11) take on the New York Liberty on Thursday and Saturday.