Getting to Know Satau Sabally
Satau Sabally’s journey in basketball hasn’t been straightforward. While some players shine from the moment they’re drafted, others face challenges that can sideline their potential. Sabally has been one of those players grappling with injuries throughout her career.
Her entry into the WNBA was different from many others. As a standout with the Oregon Ducks, she was part of a promising team that was expected to make waves in the 2020 NCAA March Madness Tournament. Unfortunately, the tournament was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, marking an abrupt end to her college career. Shortly after, she was selected as the second overall pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2020 WNBA draft, right behind her teammate, Sabrina Ionescu.
Sabally’s blend of size and skill made her an appealing prospect for her team. At 6’4″, she can score from virtually anywhere on the court and also contributes significantly as a rebounder, plus her ball-handling and playmaking abilities shine. When drafted, she was seen as a potential star in the league, but injuries have hindered her progress.
Her rookie season in the WNBA was marred by setbacks; she faced a back issue and a concussion, which limited her time on the court during the league’s bubble. The next season saw her earn an All-Star nomination, yet she dealt with an Achilles injury that kept her sidelined for much of the year. While it wasn’t a complete tear, the pain lingered, and 2022 ended with her appearing in only 11 regular season games due to ongoing ankle and knee complications.
The year 2023 turned out to be a breakthrough for Sabally. She played her healthiest season in the WNBA, achieving averages of 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. This performance not only secured another All-Star selection but also marked her first career triple-double. For the first time since her drafting, she played over 17 games in a season, finishing with a total of 38 games for Dallas. However, after the 2024 season, she decided to leave Dallas, facing a more complicated situation as her status as a free agent was overshadowed by the Wings’ decisions. After requesting a trade, they ultimately honored her wishes, even as they navigated her departure.
Now, Sabally seems to be having an even better season than before. Currently, she averages 19.1 points per game, helping her new team, Phoenix, climb the WNBA standings alongside notable players like Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper. When Copper was sidelined in the early part of the season due to injury, Sabally’s contributions were crucial, helping the Mercury achieve a strong 14-6 record so far, participating in 18 of 20 games this season.
Basketball talent runs in the Sabally family; her younger sister, Nyara, is also making waves in the sport after being drafted by the New York Liberty. In 2023, the sisters faced off in the WNBA, becoming one of the few sibling pairs to compete against each other in the league. Both sisters proudly represent Germany on the international stage, taking part in events like the Olympics and World Cups.
It’s essential to consider how Sabally’s earlier extensive playing schedule, alternating between WNBA and European leagues, might have contributed to her injuries. These days, it seems she’s focusing on her career within the U.S. while remaining primarily injury-free. It’s refreshing to see her stepping up as a leader on her team. She’s the dynamic, versatile player that the Mercury can rally around, generating excitement for fans.
