LOS ANGELES -- Cameron Brink is back playing basketball.
After getting her rookie year cut short on June 18th, 2024 due to a torn ACL and meniscus, Brink rehabbed and recovered for the next 13 months. On July 29th against the Las Vegas Aces, she made her return on the WNBA court. While it was a feelgood moment for her personally, the Sparks' five-game win streak was snapped by the Aces.
In the next game, Brink showed why she was the second pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft. While her minutes were limited, her fourth quarter against the Storm on Friday showed her basketball prowess as she scored seven huge points and blocked two shots to get the Sparks back in the game. The Sparks would eventually win in a double overtime instant classic.
"I think she brings a level of confidence to the rest of our team defensively and I think the other team knows her capabilities," Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said. "Even if she doesn't get a statistical block, she's going to alter some shots and some thinking, some decision-making to attack with her in there."
The Sporting Tribune caught up with Brink at practice on Monday before their game against the Indiana Fever the next day. Talks include her return, hobbies, her podcast, and, of course, food.
THE SPORTING TRIBUNE: You are back! How does it feel being around this environment, playing basketball again in front of the fans? You got a hero's welcome when you returned!
CAMERON BRINK: I'm super happy to be back. It means everything. I've worked really hard so it's been so fun.
TST: You made your presence felt immediately, too. You made a three against the Aces. You had an incredible fourth quarter against the Storm and eventually won in double overtime. Did you already expect to make this kind of impact right away?
CAM: Honestly, I don't know. I just had a great talk with (Sparks coach Lynne Roberts). She was like, you can bring us defense, you can rebound, and offense will come to you. So I'm just trying to go in and help my team win.
TST: What have you learned about yourself in the last few weeks?
CAM: That I'm resilient! I don't know; I've always been this way so yeah.
TST: I read somewhere you weren't initially interested in basketball. What was the turning point for you?
CAM: I lived in the Netherlands for like three years when I was younger and then we moved back to the States, and just fell in love with it. Had a really good coach; (Coach) got me into basketball. So from there, I would say around age 12 is when I really started playing.
TST: Anyone you modeled your game after?
CAM: Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne, for sure. Players like that.
TST: Questions outside of basketball. So current hobbies. I know during media day you mentioned crafting and playing with your dog.
CAM: Other hobbies I have? I love shopping, spending time with family, love to read. Yeah, not much time for anything else.
TST: Favorite food?
CAM: Sushi!
TST: Guilty pleasures?
CAM: Reality TV!
TST: Like Love Island or something?
CAM: Yeah, Love Island, all that stuff.
TST: Who would play you in a movie about your life?
CAM: Cameron Diaz.
TST: I saw you have a Nintendo Switch 2 on your Instagram. What were you playing on it?
CAM: Animal Crossing!
TST: What a great game!
CAM: It's so good!
TST: You have a podcast, Straight to Cam. Did you partly start that because you wanted to stay involved, basically, outside of basketball or just kind of like therapy in a way, I guess?
CAM: No, I started it because a production company approached me, and it ended up being a great way to do stuff off the court so I'm very thankful for it!
TST: You're going to continue doing it while you're on the court?
CAM: Yep!
TST: Finally, what would you like to be remembered by?
CAM: Oh, my gosh. My bright spirit!
Brink and her bright spirit hope to continue their winning ways with the Sparks as they face the Connecticut Sun on Thursday.