Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sabrina Ionescu

Discover the career path of Sabrina Ionescu, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Sabrina Ionescu is a prominent American professional basketball player currently playing for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Renowned for her exceptional skills and achievements during her collegiate career with the Oregon Ducks, she is widely regarded as one of the greatest college basketball players ever. Her impact on the sport extends beyond the professional level, influencing aspiring athletes and contributing to the growth of women's basketball.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Freshman Year

In 2012, as a freshman, Sabrina Ionescu started 14 of 29 games, averaging 13.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.9 steals per game. Her team achieved a 27–3 record and finished as the runner-up in the Northern California Section Division II.

2013: Sophomore Year

In 2013–14, as a sophomore, Ionescu helped her team achieve a 30–2 record.

November 13, 2016: Collegiate Debut

On November 13, 2016, Ionescu made her collegiate debut for Oregon, scoring 11 points in an 84–67 win over Lamar.

April 2018: Ionescu and Oregon Teammates Win USA Basketball 3x3 Championship

In April 2018, Sabrina Ionescu and her Oregon teammates won the USA Basketball women's national 3x3 championship tournament, with Ionescu named tournament MVP. They were selected to represent the US at the 2018 3x3 World Cup.

January 2019: Possible Top Pick

In January 2019, an ESPN mock draft suggested that Ionescu could be a top pick in the WNBA draft if she were to declare.

April 6, 2019: Announces Return to Oregon

On April 6, 2019, Ionescu announced in The Players' Tribune that she would return to Oregon for her senior season, foregoing the 2019 WNBA draft.

December 2019: Eligibility for WNBA Draft

In December 2019, Ionescu turned 22, making her eligible to declare for the 2019 WNBA draft.

2019: Final Four Appearance

In 2019, Ionescu led the Oregon Ducks to their first Final Four appearance after a victory over Mississippi State.

2019: Returns to Oregon for Senior Season

In 2019, despite being eligible for the WNBA draft, Ionescu chose to return to Oregon for her senior season, believing she had "unfinished business" there. She also accepted a place in a master's program in brand creation at Oregon's School of Journalism and Communications.

April 17, 2020: Drafted #1 Overall

On April 17, 2020, the New York Liberty selected Ionescu with the first overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft.

August 1, 2020: Ionescu Injured Ankle

On August 1, 2020, Sabrina Ionescu injured her left ankle during a game against the Atlanta Dream, diagnosed with a grade 3 sprain, sidelining her for the remainder of her first WNBA season.

May 18, 2021: Ionescu Records First Professional Triple-Double

On May 18, 2021, Sabrina Ionescu achieved her first professional triple-double in her 6th career game, scoring 26 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to do so and marking the first Liberty triple-double.

July 6, 2022: Ionescu Records First 30-Point Triple-Double in WNBA History

On July 6, 2022, Sabrina Ionescu recorded the first 30-point triple-double in WNBA history, scoring 31 points, with 13 rebounds and 10 assists.

November 11, 2022: Ionescu Rejoined Oregon as Director of Athletic Culture

On November 11, 2022, Sabrina Ionescu rejoined her alma mater, Oregon, as the director of athletic culture.

2022: Ionescu Hosts Sabrina Ionescu Showcase

Since 2022, Sabrina Ionescu has hosted the Sabrina Ionescu Showcase for girls basketball teams in the Bay Area.

July 14, 2023: Ionescu Sets WNBA Three-Point Contest Record

On July 14, 2023, Sabrina Ionescu set a new WNBA record in the Three-Point Contest, scoring 37 points and making 25 of her final 27 shots.

September 1, 2023: Nike Sabrina 1's Released

On September 1, 2023, Sabrina Ionescu's first signature shoe, the Nike Sabrina 1's, were released.

NIKE Sabrina 1 Family Bonds Womens FQ3381-001 (Black/Photo Blue-EMERAL), Size 9

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February 17, 2024: Ionescu Competes Against Stephen Curry in Three-Point Contest

On February 17, 2024, Sabrina Ionescu competed against Stephen Curry in a three-point contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend, scoring 26 points to Curry's 29.

June 2024: Ionescu Named to US Olympic Team and Wins Gold Medal

In June 2024, Sabrina Ionescu was named to the US women's Olympic team and later won her first Olympic gold medal after the United States defeated France 67–66 in the final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France.

December 23, 2024: Ionescu Joins Unrivaled League

On December 23, 2024, Sabrina Ionescu was announced as the final roster spot for the inaugural 2025 season of Unrivaled, the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, signing with Phantom BC.

2024: Liberty advanced to WNBA Finals

In 2024, Ionescu and the Liberty advanced to the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx and won the championship.

2024: Nike Sabrina 2 Debuts

In the summer of 2024, Sabrina Ionescu's second signature shoe with Nike, the Sabrina 2, debuted.

Sabrina 2 Basketball Shoes (FQ2174-601, Pink Foam/Elemental Pink/Black) Size 9.5

Check it on Amazon

2025: Ionescu inaugural season with Unrivaled League

In 2025, Sabrina Ionescu will be participating in inaugural season with Unrivaled League, the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, playing for Phantom BC.