Sabrina Ionescu Drafted No. 1 Overall Pick In WNBA Draft

Sabrina Ionescu was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft Friday night going to the New York Liberty. Fellow Oregon Duck teammate Satou Sabally was the second overall pick going to the Dallas Wings while Ruthy Hebard was drafted with the No. 8 pick by the Chicago Sky. “It’s a blessing to be picked No. 1 and I look forward to growing my game. I’m looking to do everything I possibly can to get better,” Ionescu said on a media conference call after being drafted. “I’m really excited to be playing with professionals and growing from that. Obviously going one and two with Satou Sabally is really cool to see how our hard work payed off. I’m blessed, I’ve been working for this my entire basketball career and to see that come to fruition, I’m humbled.” Ionescu was asked how her game would translate to the WNBA. “Just being part of a younger team, seeing how I fit and what I bring is exciting. Looking forward to getting their and playing. Looking at my platform and continuing what I did at Oregon.” At Oregon Ionescu was the unanimous national player of the year for 2019-20 after completing a sweep of the Naismith Trophy, Wooden Award and Wade Trophy, while also being named player of the year by the Associated Press, USBWA and ESPN.com Ionescu also announced she signed with Nike as her shoe sponsor. “It means a lot (to go one and two with Sabrina) I’m just really happy and can’t wait to get to Dallas.” Sabally said. “It’s cool, we’ve built a great culture at Oregon and it shows the coaching and program is really good. I’m excited I got selected but I’m ready to go to work and get better.” “I’m excited for Ruthy regardless of where she ends up,” Ionescu said. “Whatever team gets her will be great fit.” Prior to the 2020 WNBA Draft Oregon had eight players drafted into the league. Photo Credit: Oregon Athletics/GoDucks.com