During the Kobe Bryant memorial service on Monday at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, there were many recognizable names who delivered memorable speeches. The list included Michael Jordan, University of Connecticut women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma, Kobe’s wife Vanessa, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, Shaquille O’Neal and Diana Taurasi. One name who may not be all that familiar however was Oregon University senior guard Sabrina Ionescu of Walnut Creek, California.
Ionescu is quickly becoming a household name in university women’s basketball in the United States. Just hours after speaking at Bryant’s service on Monday, Ionescu was quickly back on the court, and scored 21 points in a 74-66 Oregon win over Stanford at the Maples Pavilion in northern California.
Ionescu also made National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball history on Monday. When she recorded her ninth rebound, Ionescu became the first NCAA basketball player (man or woman) to collect 2000 points, 1000 assists and 1000 rebounds in her university career according to the Associated Press. She now has 2467 points, 1041 assists and 1003 rebounds since joining the Ducks in 2016-17.
Ionescu also gets triple doubles regularly. Her 26 triple doubles are also a NCAA record for men and women according to Victor Mather of the New York Times. On Monday, Ionescu once again recorded a triple double as she had 21 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists.
During Kobe’s celebration of life, Ionescu discussed the relationship she developed with Bryant and his daughter Gianna, after they came to see her play against USC. It is just too bad it took a tragedy like the death of Bryant, for the sports world to get to know about Ionescu. The 22 year-old definitely has a bright future in women’s basketball. It would not be surprising at all to see Ionescu play for the United States at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
