US basketball star Sabrina Ionescu during her Manila visit as part of her Asian Tour.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—US basketball star Sabrina Ionescu is not only a winner in the WNBA but also a champion of women’s sports.
Ionescu recently wrapped up her Asian Tour, which included a three-day stop in Manila earlier this month, and the New York Liberty star was ecstatic to see that all the efforts and “continued investment” in women’s sports have been paying off.
“I think you’re able to just see the continued investment in women’s sports. Obviously, basketball, kind of being where it’s at right now, you can see in such a short amount of time how we continue to just grow the game,” said Ionescu, whose Manila trip was fitting for Women’s Month.
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“[There’s] fan support, investment, how many people are watching us on TV and coming to games so it’s exciting to be a part of that generation that’s able to continue to change the game.”
Ionescu’s no stranger to breaking barriers in women’s basketball.
She was a vital piece of the Liberty’s historic championship run last October but Ionescu had already made a name for herself in the NCAA starring for University of Oregon.
READ: Sabrina Ionescu’s Manila trip goes a long way for PH women’s basketball
At Oregon, Ionescu put her name in the record books by becoming the first player—both in the men’s and women’s Division 1—to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists in the NCAA.
The 27-year-old Ionescu, who is known for her sweet shooting, drew a warm welcome from Filipino basketball fans from the moment she arrived at the airport.
That too was a testament to the growth of women’s basketball in the country.
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“Being able to come here and see it firsthand, the social media and coverage are continuing to grow for women’s sports,” said Ionescu, who also made stops in Guangzhou, China and Hong Kong.
And it’s just the start.
“I would say just continue to strive on what it is that you want to accomplish. Don’t give up because you can be right there.”