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 for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Recognized as one of the league's premier three-point shooters, she is lauded for her exceptional skills and significant impact on the sport. Her accomplishments have contributed to the increased popularity and visibility of women's basketball. Ionescu's influence extends beyond her on-court performance, solidifying her status as a key figure in the world of women's sports.

Sections (4)

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

2012: Freshman Season

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, contributing to her team's 27–3 record and a Northern California Section Division II runner-up finish.

2013: Sophomore Season

In 2013, during her sophomore year, Sabrina Ionescu helped her team achieve a 30–2 record.

2013: High School Scoring Records

In 2013-14 Sabrina scored 598 points as a Miramonte High School student.

2014: High School Scoring Records

In 2014-15 Sabrina scored 760 points as a Miramonte High School student.

2015: High School Scoring Records

In 2015-16 Sabrina scored 834 points as a Miramonte High School student.

November 13, 2016: Collegiate Debut for Oregon

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

November 6, 2018: Recorded 11th Triple-Double

On November 6, 2018, Sabrina Ionescu recorded her 11th triple-double in a victory against Alaska-Fairbanks.

December 20, 2018: Broke NCAA Triple-Double Record

On December 20, 2018, Sabrina Ionescu recorded her 13th triple-double in a game against Air Force, breaking the NCAA triple-double record for both men's and women's basketball.

January 2019: Possible Top Pick in Mock Draft

In January 2019, a mock draft by ESPN indicated that Sabrina Ionescu was a possible top pick for the WNBA draft should she declare.

April 6, 2019: Announced Return to Oregon

On April 6, 2019, Sabrina Ionescu announced her return to Oregon for her senior season in an open letter published in The Players' Tribune.

November 13, 2019: Surpassed 2,000 Points and 800 Assists

On November 13, 2019, in the second game of her senior season, Sabrina Ionescu surpassed 2,000 points and 800 assists for her college career in a win over Utah State.

2019: Declined WNBA draft, returned for Senior Season

In 2019, Despite eligibility for the WNBA draft due to age and impending bachelor's degree, Sabrina Ionescu chose to return to Oregon for her senior season, citing 'unfinished business'.

2019: Led Ducks to First Final Four Appearance

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

January 24, 2020: Broke Gary Payton's Pac-12 All-Time Assist Record

On January 24, 2020, in a game against Oregon State, Sabrina Ionescu broke Oregon State and NBA star Gary Payton's Pac-12 all-time record of 938 assists.

February 14, 2020: Joined 2,000 Points/1,000 Assists Club

On February 14, 2020, Sabrina Ionescu recorded her 1,000th career assist in a game against UCLA, joining Courtney Vandersloot as the only players in NCAA men's and women's basketball history with 2,000+ points and 1,000+ assists.

April 17, 2020: Ionescu Drafted First Overall by New York Liberty

On April 17, 2020, Sabrina Ionescu was selected as the first overall pick by the New York Liberty in the 2020 WNBA draft, marking a significant milestone in her career.

2020: Drafted First Overall by New York Liberty

In 2020, Sabrina Ionescu was selected first overall by the New York Liberty in the WNBA draft, marking a significant milestone in her career.

May 18, 2021: Ionescu Records First Triple-Double

On May 18, 2021, Sabrina Ionescu achieved her first professional triple-double in her 6th career game with 26 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to record a triple-double and securing the first triple-double for the Liberty.

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

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

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 as part of her endorsement deal with Nike.

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.

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, a women’s 3-on-3 basketball league, and signed with Phantom BC, joining her former college teammate, Satou Sabally.

2024: NBA vs. WNBA Three-Point Contest

In 2024, Sabrina Ionescu gained global acclaim after competing against Stephen Curry in the first NBA vs. WNBA three-point contest at NBA All-Star Weekend, marking a significant moment in her career and women's basketball.