In an emotional return to Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena, Sabrina Ionescu, star of the New York Liberty, was greeted with a deafening ovation. The player, who had not stepped on the university court for five years, expressed her affection for the Ducks before a devoted crowd.
Ionescu, a three-time WNBA All-Star, was joined by her teammate and also former Oregon player, Nyara Sabally, for a preseason game against the Toyota Antelopes of Japan. This match was part of a series of WNBA preseason events that have brought stars together with their former college fans.
The game was a party for Ionescu, who scored 25 points in the 84-61 victory over the Antelopes. Sabally contributed 7 points to the scoreboard.
The fans paid tribute to Ionescu with a standing ovation after she scored a three-pointer from the half-court logo, with 6:03 left in the game. The player responded with a wave to the fans and putting her hand over her heart.
It’s great to be back home.
Sabrina Ionescu
Ionescu culminated her college career as the all-time leader in triple-doubles in the NCAA, both men’s and women’s, with a total of 26. She was selected as the No. 1 pick by the Liberty in the 2020 WNBA draft.
In recognition of her career, Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson declared Monday as “Sabrina Ionescu Day.” Ionescu, who won a WNBA title with the Liberty last year, also earned a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
I’m glad they receive your affection. They deserve it. Both have grown a lot since they were here, and obviously, being able to win the championship (of the WNBA) last year, come back here and celebrate with the fans.
Natasha Cloud
The Liberty announced that they exercised Sabally’s fourth-year option, which will keep her on the team through the 2026 season.
The owner of the Liberty, Clara Wu Tsai, and Oregon coach Kelly Graves were in attendance at the game.It’s a really great idea. The preseason has been visiting many of the college campuses of its star players and Sabrina is a franchise player for us and has done wonderful things. So it’s great to go back to where it all began.
Sandy Brondello
