Cameron Brink’s has left an indelible mark at Stanford University and is poised to make a splash in professional women’s basketball.
The standout from Stanford University, Cameron Brink, has formally declared her intent to join the WNBA Draft. Despite being granted an additional year of eligibility in 2020 due to the pandemic, Brink has now chosen to transition into the next thrilling chapter of her life. In a touching message shared on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the center conveyed her emotions.
Expressing that the Stanford Cardinal still has “unfinished business,” the native of New Jersey conveyed her appreciation to all those who have contributed to her journey in emerging as one of the country’s rising stars.
“I owe every bit of my success to your guidance and unwavering love, especially to my family and my parents, who could have predicted the joy that basketball would bring me,” (via X)
Brink, the leading shot-blocker in NCAA Division 1 basketball, is recognized as a top-tier two-way center in the sport. Standing tall at 6’4″, she possesses a variety of skills worth lauding. Whether it’s her baseline jumpers, inside post moves, or proficiency in three-point shooting, Brink concluded the season with 19 double-doubles in 31 games, ranking her at no. 8 in women’s basketball overall.
Brink is a formidable defensive force
Her shot blocks are monumental, establishing a legacy she’ll carry into the WNBA. Notably, she registered a season-best eight blocks against Pac-12 opponent USC on February 2nd. Yes, you read that correctly, eight blocks.
She certainly didn’t disappoint in her final season with the Cardinal. Over 31 games, she posted remarkable stats of 17.8 points, 12 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game. Improving significantly from the free-throw line in her senior year, shooting 51.2% from the field, Brink elevated her percentage by over 20 points from the previous season.
While she may not top the scoring charts, Brink’s versatility is a key asset for a center, particularly her ability to stretch the floor. Proficient in both interior and exterior aspects of the game, she not only dominates on the boards but also showcases superb passing skills, especially when facing double teams.
Throughout her career, she has delivered standout performances, including a career-best 24 rebounds against Oregon State on February 29, accompanied by a team-leading 25 points.
Brink holds the all-time record for shot blocks at Stanford
Under the guidance of the esteemed head coach Tara VanDerveer, stepping into the shoes of Stanford University’s elite athletes presents a significant challenge. Brink joins the ranks of Stanford legends such as Candice, Wiggins, Nneka Ogwumike, and Jennifer Azzi.
Representing one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball, Brink reigns as the program’s leader in various statistical categories, including blocks (402), block percentage (13.4%), blocks per game (3.1), defensive rebound percentage (29.2%), total rebound percentage (22%), box out plus/minus (19.7), among several others.
It’s a rare opportunity to play under the leadership of the winningest coach in NCAA history.
A four-year stalwart for the Cardinal, Brink was recruited from Mountainside in Oregon. An integral part of the team, the center played a pivotal role in Stanford’s triumph in securing their initial NCAA title in 2021, ending a 29-year dry spell.
Garnering numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career, Brink is a 3-time Pac-12 All-Defensive Team member, a 2-time Pac-12 Player of the Year, and earned the Defensive Player of the Year title in 2023. In addition to these accolades, she sports 3 Olympic gold medals, having competed in the FIBA under 19, FIBA under 17 World Cup, and 3×3 World Cup.
As per the latest announcement, Brink leads ESPN’s All-American team, alongside Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Paige Bueckers (UConn), JuJu Watkins (USC), and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame).
Brink is anticipated to be among the top selections in the upcoming 2024 WNBA Draft
The former McDonald’s All-American is slated to be a prominent pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. With Caitlin Clark expected to go first, the demand for Brink is rising, particularly with Paige Bueckers returning to UConn.
Predicted as the second overall pick for the Los Angeles Sparks, she would be a remarkable addition. This is especially significant following Nneka Ogwumike‘s surprising move to the Seattle Storm in free agency. Enhancing her three-point shooting could potentially elevate her to become the next Nikola Jokic or Victor Wembanyama in the WNBA.
If she falls to the third overall pick, the Phoenix Mercury might be the destination. While nothing is certain, it’s unlikely that Brink would slip beyond the third pick.
Despite the loss of Brink and the Cardinal to USC in the Pac-12 championship with a final score of 74-61, the Stanford Center remains resolute in finishing the season on a strong note and vying for an NCAA National title.
Cameron Brink is committed to aiding Stanford in capturing a second title during her tenure
“I am excited to announce I will be declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft,” disclosed Brink in her message on X. “Although I am excited for that next chapter, we still have unfinished business and so much to accomplish in my final season at Stanford.”
Besides her marked improvements in free-throw shooting, witnessing her evolution since her freshman year has been truly remarkable. A force on both offense and defense, she brings immense value to Stanford. With a record of 28-5 in the season, Brink missed only two games and her absence was notably felt in Stanford’s 68-61 defeat against Oregon State.
Bidding farewell to Palo Alto, Brink had the option to declare for the 2023 WNBA Draft but decided to return for one more campaign. As one of the most prolific shot-blockers in women’s basketball, her presence will surely be dearly missed by many at Stanford.
