Sabrina Elaine Ionescu is a name that resonates deeply in the world of basketball.
Born on December 6, 1997, in Walnut Creek, California, to Romanian immigrant parents Dan Ionescu and Liliana Blaj, Sabrina has risen to become one of the most celebrated players in women’s basketball.
A standout guard for the New York Liberty in the WNBA, she first gained widespread recognition during her record-breaking college career with the Oregon Ducks.
Known for her exceptional all-around game, Sabrina made history as the first NCAA Division I player—male or female—to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists.
Beyond her on-court prowess, Sabrina’s journey is deeply tied to her family, particularly her siblings, who have played a significant role in shaping her competitive spirit.
Siblings
Sabrina is one of three children born to Dan and Liliana Ionescu, who fled Romania during the 1989 revolution and settled in the United States.
Her siblings include her older brother, Andrei Ionescu, and her twin brother, Edward “Eddy” Ionescu, both of whom have been integral to her life and basketball journey.
Eddy, Sabrina’s twin brother, shares a particularly close bond with her, forged through their shared birthday and countless hours on the basketball court.
Born just minutes apart on December 6, 1997, the twins grew up as best friends and fierce competitors in Northern California.
At 6-foot-6, Eddy pursued his own basketball path, playing as a guard and walking onto the Oregon Ducks men’s basketball team after transferring from City College of San Francisco.
Though his college career was modest—appearing in five games and recording one assist—Eddy’s influence on Sabrina was profound.
Also Read: Diana Taurasi Siblings: Getting to Know Jessika
Career
Ionescu’s basketball career is a tapestry of extraordinary achievements, from her high school days to her professional triumphs.
Her journey began at Miramonte High School in Orinda, California, where she dominated with a career record of 119–9, amassing 2,606 points, 769 assists, and 549 steals.
Named MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, she was the No. 1 ranked point guard in the 2016 recruiting class and chose Oregon to carve her own legacy.
At the University of Oregon, Sabrina redefined women’s college basketball.
Over four years (2016–2020), she became the NCAA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles with 26, a record for both men and women.
Her senior year cemented her as a legend, winning the Naismith Trophy, John R. Wooden Award, and Wade Trophy as the nation’s top player, while leading the Ducks to their first Final Four in 2019.
She graduated with unparalleled stats: 2,562 points, 1,040 rebounds, and 1,091 assists, a feat unmatched in NCAA history.
Entering the WNBA with the New York Liberty in 2020, Sabrina faced early adversity with an ankle injury but quickly bounced back.
She has since become a three-time All-Star (2022–2024), a two-time All-WNBA Second Team selection (2022, 2023), and the 2023 WNBA Three-Point Shootout champion, where she set a record with 37 points.
In 2024, she led the Liberty to their first championship, breaking multiple franchise postseason records, including most three-pointers made and Finals assists.
Off the court, Sabrina’s impact extends to endorsements with Nike, including her signature shoe line, and her appearance on the NBA 2K video game cover.
Her career averages of 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game in the WNBA reflect her versatility, while her 90.6% free-throw accuracy showcases her precision.
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