Sabrina Ionescu

Sabrina Ionescu is an American point guard currently playing for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. At 5 foot 11 inches, Ionescu is known for her lethal 3-point shooting, passing, and exceptional basketball IQ.

Before joining the WNBA, Ionescu was a highly regarded five-star prospect in college basketball. She had an outstanding career playing for the Oregon Ducks from 2016 to 2020. During her time at Oregon, she achieved numerous historic milestones, including becoming the NCAA all-time leader in career triple-doubles. Additionally, she holds the record for the most assists in the Pac-12 Conference's history, and she is the only NCAA Division I basketball player to accomplish the feat of recording 2,000 points, 1,000 assists, and 1,000 rebounds in a career.

In the 2020 WNBA draft, the New York Liberty chose Sabrina Ionescu as the first overall pick, and since then, Ionescu has achieved tremendous success in her WNBA career and has become the face of the franchise.

Lonescu is a two-time WNBA All-Star in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, she has been named to the All-WNBA Second Team twice, in 2022 and 2023. Ionescu made history as the youngest player in WNBA history to record a triple-double. This feat also marked the first triple-double in New York Liberty's history and the tenth in the league's history overall. On July 6, 2022, she had a remarkable performance, scoring 31 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists, becoming the first player to achieve a 30-point triple-double in WNBA history.

In 2023, she also won the WNBA Three-Point Shootout competition. In the 3-Point Contest, Ionescu set a new record by scoring 37 points, the highest in both WNBA and NBA history. She surpassed the previous record of 31 points set by NBA player Stephen Curry. Notably, she made 25 of her final 27 attempts during the contest.

Her outstanding performance in the Three-Point Contest earned her a chance to compete against NBA star Steph Curry in a mixed-gender 3-point contest during the 2024 NBA All-Star weekend. Despite scoring 26 points, Ionescu fell just short as Curry scored 29 points to win the contest.

Personal Life

Sabrina Ionescu was born on December 6, 1997, in Walnut Creek, California. Her passion for basketball blossomed at an early age, nurtured by her parents, Liliana and Dan, who both played basketball at the collegiate level. Ionescu's dedication to the sport led her to standout performances at Miramonte High School in Orinda, California, where she honed her skills as a dynamic playmaker.

Contract

On May 15, 2023, Ionescu signed a two-year contract with the New York Liberty worth $410,060. Her contract reflects the team's confidence in her abilities and potential to contribute significantly to their success in the coming seasons.

Style of Play

Sabrina Ionescu is renowned for her all-around game, excelling as both a facilitator and scorer on the court. Standing at 5 foot 11 inches, she possesses exceptional court vision and passing ability, often threading the needle with pinpoint assists to her teammates. Ionescu’s deadly 3-point shot makes her a dangerous threat from beyond the arc.

One of Ionescu's most impressive attributes is her basketball IQ and leadership on the court. She always displays maturity while playing, dictating the pace of the game and making high-level decisions in crucial moments. Her ability to elevate the play of those around her has earned her respect from teammates and opponents alike.

Looking Ahead

As Sabrina Ionescu continues to make her mark in the WNBA, all eyes are on her future with the New York Liberty. With her talent, work ethic, and determination, she has the potential to become a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. As she continues to develop and refine her skills, Ionescu is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the WNBA.