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Chicago is feeling Sky high

Fred Jeter | 4/25/2024, 6 p.m.
With the third and seventh picks of the WNBA draft, the skies brightened over Chicago.

With the third and seventh picks of the WNBA draft, the skies brightened over Chicago.

The new-look Chicago Sky has added the towering presence of 6-foot-7 Kamilla Cardozo (picked third) and 6-foot-3 Angel Reese (No. 7 selection).

Cardozo, who earned the Most Outstanding Player (MOP) award for leading South Carolina to an undefeated season and NCAA championship, hails from Brazil.

Baltimore native Reese was MOP a year ago in helping LSU to the NCAA crown. This season, she was Southeastern Conference player of year.

Reese, famous for her long eyelashes and flowing locks, has changed her LSU nickname of “Bayou Barbie” to “Chi Barbie,” to fit the occasion.

The Sky was 18-22 a year ago but has since hired a new coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, and new general manager, Jeff Pagliocca.

Here’s what Pagliocca said about his promising newcomers:

On Cardozo: “We are beyond excited about Kamilla. She has everything we want, and we can’t wait for her arrival.”

On Reese: “We are absolutely thrilled to be adding Angel. She fits the identity and culture of our city. Welcome to Chi Town.”

Reese and Cardozo will make their pro debuts May 15 against the Dallas Wings in Dallas.

As expected, Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark (the all-time NCAA scoring champ) was drafted first overall by Indiana.

The Fever will open its pre-season schedule on May 3 at Dallas. Clark’s official debut will be May 14 when the Fever travels to play the Connecticut Sun.

Clark’s four-year, escalating contract calls for $76,535 this season and $97,582 by 2027. There is plenty of revenue to rake in other than salary.

As in Iowa, where her No. 22 jersey became a bestseller, she will wear No. 22 for Indiana, where there is already a hot market for anything Caitlin. Her endorsement potential is off the charts.

The only state of Virginia selection was Virginia Tech’s 6-foot-6 Elizabeth Kitley, chosen by Las Vegas with the 24th overall pick.

Kitley, the three-time ACC player of year, must sit out this season due to a knee surgery. Her pro debut will be in 2025.

Angel Jackson of Jackson State was the 36th and final pick of the draft by Vegas.

She was the lone HBCU selection. The 6-foot-6 Jackson, who transferred to Jackson State from Southern California, was a three-time SWAC defensive player of the year.