Gamecocks' Staley to develop Cardoso into more aggressive offensive player

Kamilla Silva of Brazil. (FIBA.basketball photo)

The United States knocked off Brazil in the 2021 FIBA Women's AmeriCup semi-finals, 71-60 on Friday to move a win away from bagging another gold medal.

The game offered a first-hand look at Brazil's Kamilla Cardoso, known domestically as Kamilla Silva. The 20-year-old collegiate player imposed her will defensively as Brazil gave Team USA some fits.

Silva finished with 10 rebounds and three blocks, on top of four points. Brazil led 21-13 after the opening quarter, challenging USA before the latter eventually buckled down to work for the win.

Elissa Cunane top-scored with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting and eight rebounds while Rhyne Howard and Naz Hillmon-Baker each had 12 points.

After the game, USA head coach Dawn Staley spoke about Silva, whom she will be handling with the South Carolina Gamecocks next college basketball season.

"Kamilla, she's a force inside. Obviously, we know her well as a shot-blocker, as a rebounder," Staley said.

The 6-foot-7 Silva made a transfer after her freshman year in Syracuse where she averaged 13.1 points on 56.1% field goals, 8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 23 games.

She will have four years of eligibility left in South Carolina.

Staley, who is signed with the Gamecocks through the 2024-2025 season, added she would like for the 20-year-old center to develop her offensive game a bit more.

"For me, I like to see (her) a little bit more aggressive offensively. That's probably the priority for us when she comes to South Carolina, it's to get her a lot more aggressive shooting the basketball that's in the paint, that's outside the paint," Staley mentioned.

Silva is averaging 10.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 1.7 BPG in 18.3 minutes a game for coach Jose Neto in her international debut, showing that he is already at par with more experienced pros.

Her rebounding average is already tied for team-best with veteran Erika De Souza and a tournament-second best overall.

Neto has already acknowledged that Silva will be the future of the world no. 15-ranked squad in competitions to come.

Staley recognizes that, and is open to helping Silva become a force not just for the Gamecocks but for the future of Brazil women's basketball.

"Looking forward to helping, and her helping her national team in the future."