$12,000,000-worth Dawn Staley sends clear message to former Gamecocks Kamilla Cardoso and Aliyah Boston ahead of Sky vs Fever matchup

Dawn Staley was present for the CBS' WNBA Tip-Off show on Saturday before the Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky game. The South Carolina coach will be a constant presence on the pregame show, having joined as an analyst. The three-time NCAA champion will bring thoughtful insights and expert commentary to the table.

The channel showcased a brief welcome video to Staley on the broadcast. Former Gamecocks Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso congratulated her on the new role, showcasing their excitement for their college coach.

Dawn Staley, who has a net worth of $12 million (as per Celebrity Net Worth), expressed her expectations from the two stars on X.

"They are still my babies! @Kamillascsilva @aa_boston ! Go to work tonite!," Staley said.

It was a decent outing for both stars at United Center. Boston scored 11 points, five rebounds and five steals on 57.1% shooting. She also had five turnovers, during her least efficient game of the season.

Kamilla Cardoso, meanwhile, has been struggling to score after finding her rhythm late in May, posting eight points and four rebounds on 40.0% clip. The Indiana Fever, behind 17 points by Kelsey Mitchell, beat the Chicago Sky, 79-52, though.

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Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso won the NCAA championship with Dawn Staley

Unlike the WNBA, Aliyah Boston (2019-2023) and Kamilla Cardoso (2021-24) played together in college for two years. While Boston was a key starter since day one, Cardoso had to patiently work on earning her minutes.

Nevertheless, both led South Carolina to a national championship as a key player in Dawn Staley's roster.

Aliyah Boston averaged a career-high 16.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg and 2.4 blocks on 54.2% efficiency in her junior year. She also earned the Defensive Player of the Year award during the Gamecocks' title run alongside other awards.

Kamilla Cardoso, meanwhile, experienced an NCAA championship journey during her first year with Dawn Staley. However, it was only until her senior year that she could reserve a starting role.

Cardoso averaged 14.4 ppg, 9.7 rpg and 2.5 bpg on a 59.4% clip in her final season with the school. She helped South Carolina make history in the 2024 season by going undefeated and lifting the national trophy. The center earned the Most Outstanding Player for her performance in the NCAA tournament.