Sparks' Cameron Brink Diagnosed with Torn ACL After Knee Injury, Out for WNBA Season

The Los Angeles Sparks announced rookie forward Cameron Brink suffered a torn ACL in Tuesday's 79-70 loss to the Connecticut Sun.

The No. 2 overall pick went down in the first quarter and had to be helped back to the locker room.

Brink also shared the news on social media, saying that she "will not be derailed" by the injury:

Brink averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 15 games. While her offense remains a work in progress — 39.8 percent shooting overall — she hit the ground running on defense.

The Seattle Storm's Ezi Magbegor and Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson are the only players swatting away more shots per game, and Brink has displayed a natural intuition belying her lack of experience in the pros.

Her injury is a massive blow for the Sparks, who are 4-11 but at least had Brink's development as something to get excited about for the future. This is an even bigger setback for the 22-year-old because she going to represent the United States in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Bring was among the four players selected for the women's 3x3 team, joining Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard and Hailey Van Lith. She had helped the United States win gold in the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup last year.

Brink was overcome with emotion when told she made the team and was shown her jersey:

"My first dream before being a WNBA player was to be an Olympian, so it's amazing," she said to the Los Angeles Times' Marissa Kraus. "It's one of the highest honors as a basketball player, so I don't take it lightly."

By the time the 2028 Summer Olympics roll around, Brink may have put herself in the frame for the full 5x5 national team. But that will offer little comfort now as she faces a long recovery process just to get back onto the court.