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Diving into the Record-Breaking Stats and Iconic Footwear of Sabrina Ionescu

Sep 5, 2024

Sabrina Ionescu is dominating the WNBA. From her record-breaking college career to her meteoric rise in the WNBA, she’s captured the nation and the attention of big brands. But who is she, both as a player and as a personality? Here’s our guide on Ionescu’s playing style and stats, along with her brand deals with Nike Basketball.

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The Player Profile: Sabrina Ionescu Stats

As a California native, Sabrina Ionescu displayed a talent for basketball right from the start. Throughout her University of Oregon college career, she shattered records. Ionescu became the first NCAA Division I basketball player, male or female, to record 2,000 points, 1,000 assists and 500 rebounds in a career. Her triple-double performances were a regular occurrence, showcasing her all-around brilliance. And she didn’t just worry about her own shine. She helped create scoring opportunities for teammates, too.

Transitioning to the WNBA with the New York Liberty in 2020, Ionescu was the first overall draft pick. Her court vision and scoring ability have made her a cornerstone of the team. In addition to becoming the fastest WNBA player ever to record a triple-double, Ionescu is the highest scorer in the history of the WNBA Three-Point Contest. This past year, she went head-to-head against Steph Curry — who holds the record for the highest scorer in the NBA — and scored 26 vs. Curry’s 29 points. While her WNBA team has faced challenges, Ionescu's impact is undeniable.

The Brand Deal: Sabrina Ionescu Shoes

Upon signing with the WNBA, Ionescu also scored a brand deal with Nike. In early fall 2023, her premier sneaker model dropped. Nike has carefully crafted the Sabrina basketball shoe lineup to complement Ionescu's playing style. The shoe collection’s design incorporates elements that reflect her personality and on-court presence. 

  • The Nike Sabrina 1 gives players the ability to cut quickly and play with confidence. In addition to multiple layers of breathable mesh lining the upper, these Sabrina basketball shoes have a top-loaded forefoot Air Zoom unit with a full-length React foam core to deliver the ideal balance of stability, ground control and cushioning.
  • Released in the summer of 2024, the Nike Sabrina 2 builds on the legacy of the inaugural sneaker. In addition to forefoot Air Zoom, the midsole includes both firmer and softer Cushlon foam for a plush underfoot sensation. A dynamic internal midfoot containment system features stitched cables and a fit band. In addition to an S-shaped herringbone traction pattern, the Swoosh logo has fragments surrounding it that suggest breaking through the proverbial glass ceiling and reaching new heights in basketball.

Beyond Sabrina, the Basketball Player

Beyond Sabrina, the Basketball Player

Aside from her guard duties on the court and her sneaker lineup, Sabrina Ionescu is of Romanian descent. In 2024, she married longtime love Hroniss Grasu, who is currently a defensive lineman with the Las Vegas Raiders. Kobe Bryant served as Ionescu’s mentor, and she and Grasu remain close to the Bryant family. 

She also serves as a role model for young athletes, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with passion and determination. She, along with other WNBA players, also have ongoing commitments to social justice and advocacy for women's rights.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re continuing to refine your on-court skills, break through your own glass ceilings and shatter expectations by lacing up a pair of Nike Sabrina basketball shoes offered at Hibbett.

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