Cameron Brink has torn ACL: Sparks rookie, 3x3 Olympian will miss Paris Olympics

Los Angeles Sparks rookie forward Cameron Brink has a torn left ACL, the team announced Wednesday.

Brink will likely miss the remainder of the season. The team didn't say when she would return, only that details will be provided at a later date. Brink, however, confirmed that she will be back on the court soon. "It’s not goodbye basketball it’s just a see you later," she wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.

Brink was injured in the first quarter of the Sparks 79-70 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday when she fell after making contact Sun forward Brionna Jones on the way to the basket. She only played four minutes and was carried off the court following the injury.

The No. 2 overall pick out of Stanford averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game in 15 games this season, and her absence creates a big void, especially on the defensive end, for Los Angeles. The Sparks are 4-11 this season and are next to last in scoring and lead the league in turning the ball over.

Cameron Brink reacts to ACL injury with Instagram post

Brink broke her silence with an Instagram post on Wednesday.

"You never think it will happen to you. And despite all the hard work sometimes it does," Brink wrote. "This is hard to fathom but I know it will only make me stronger. I will not be derailed and I will continue to love this life- I’m not defined by basketball, but it is something that I love deeply and I will work everyday to get back to it. It’s not goodbye basketball it’s just a see you later. I’m always so thankful for your thoughts and prayers."

It's been a long grind for Brink this year. The 22-year-old wrapped up her collegiate career at Stanford in March, winning Pac-12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors en route to a Sweet 16 finish. Brink was selected with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft by the Sparks in April and she made her WNBA debut a month later in May. She is averaging 2.3 blocks per game in the WNBA, trailing only the Seattle Storm's Ezi Magbegor (2.8) and Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson (2.5).

Why Caitlin Clark won't replace Cameron Brink in the Olympics

 Earlier this month, Brink was named to the U.S. women’s 3x3 team at the Paris Olympics, alongside college All-American Hailey Van Lith, 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream and Cierra Burdick, a former star at Tennessee. 

USA Basketball is expected to name a replacement before the games start next month.

"Our thoughts are with Cameron as we wish her a speedy recovery," USA Basketball said in a statement issued to USA TODAY Sports. "As a result of Cam's injury, USA Basketball will begin the process of selecting an athlete to join the 2024 USA 3x3 Women's National Team. We hope to see Cam back on the court and representing the red, white and blue soon.”

One player who won't replace Brink is Indiana guard Caitlin Clark, as her name is not in the 3x3 team Olympic selecting pool. Brink's spot will also need to be filled with another player at her position.