Eugene, Oregon – Kelly Graves, the head coach for the Oregon women’s basketball team, was left stunned by what he witnessed from above.
It was December 14th, 2019. Below him, the Ducks had just trounced Long Beach State by 36 points, yet the crowd had dwindled to just two people, 15 minutes after the game concluded.
A lone fan, eager for autographs and selfies, surrounded Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi, who had brought along two friends to the game.
Another, surprisingly large, group formed an unforgettable scene centered around star player Sabrina Ionescu. Graves couldn’t quite process the magnitude of her appeal.
“The crowd around Sabrina was twice as big as it was around Kobe,” Graves commented. “Who is the real star here? It was astonishing… I definitely felt like she was a major figure.”
Her popularity soared, especially with the launch of Signature Nike shoes that quickly became favorites in the NBA.
Ionescu has garnered enough fame to promote a three-city Asia tour, drawing thousands to events in Manila, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.
She’s becoming a cornerstone of one of the WNBA’s legacy franchises.
But what lies ahead for her—the iconic figure that Oregon first embraced?
Her return to Matthew Knight Arena for the Liberty’s preseason finale against Toyota Antelope of the Women’s Japan Basketball League was a fitting reminder of her roots.
For Ionescu, it marked a chance to express gratitude to the community that supported her throughout her journey.
“This place was my first home after four years,” Ionescu said. “Those feelings never fade, and they resurface every time I return.”
She even reclaimed her old food spot in the Ducks’ locker room, reflecting on what would be her final time, as the pandemic had stolen that opportunity five years prior.
“Feels like I’m donning an Oregon jersey again,” she added.
Though Ionescu had options across numerous universities, she was an eager 18-year-old who dreamed of coming to Eugene to revamp a women’s basketball program that had struggled in the NCAA Tournament.
Her four years in Oregon transformed her in ways she hadn’t expected.
“Looking back,” she recalled, seated on a folding chair overlooking the practice court, “I thought about how scary it was and what I’d do… [I always] believed in myself and my choices.”
It’s hard to pinpoint her breakout moment. One early memory stands out—a buzzer-beater against Cal on January 8, 2017.
Despite a shaky shooting day, confidence didn’t falter. She received an inbound pass, took a dribble, and shot as time expired, sealing a 69-66 victory for Oregon.
“I may have been the best recruit, but that’s meaningless unless you deliver on the court,” Ionescu remarked. “That buzzer-beater shaped the rest of my freshman year.”
Ionescu’s subsequent sophomore year put the Ducks on the map, with home game attendance steadily climbing.
Her dreams were unfolding into reality.
The team reached the Elite Eight in her first two seasons, advancing to the Final Four in her junior year.
Players in the NBA, including Stephen Curry and Kobe Bryant, started to take notice.
Bryant left an indelible mark on Ionescu. Their time together in the summer of 2019 reshaped her outlook. Though fiercely competitive, the “Mamba Mentality” elevated her approach.
“To see someone considered the greatest ever take the time to inspire young female athletes was eye-opening,” Ionescu said. “His belief in potential, regardless of background, allowed me to embrace my own path.”
Returning for her senior year, Ionescu felt there was unfinished business. The pursuit of a national championship was paramount.
Bryant’s tragic passing weighed heavily on her; she dedicated her season in his memory.
Yet, her chance at the championship was thwarted by a global pandemic.
Today, she stands alone as the only NCAA player to surpass 2,500 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists throughout her career. Plus, her 26 career triple-doubles remain unmatched.
The legacy of Ionescu continues to thrive in Eugene.
At football games, her jerseys are prominently worn by many, with her name easily recognized.
A life-sized cutout of her decorates the Wild Duck Café, located near the arena.
She’s among the few athletes who can be referred to by just her first name, like Kobe, and instantly be recognized.
“Of course, winning a national championship was the ultimate dream. But reflecting on the impact I’ve made on this community is even more significant than accolades,” Ionescu articulated. “I aim to inspire fellow student-athletes and continue to influence lives at this university.”
