Sabrina Ionescu conducts shooting drills at courtyard in BGC, Taguig.–Photo from Tristan Tamayo
MANILA, Philippines — WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu drew a warm welcome in his return to Manila as a part of her three-day visit within the hoops-crazy country.
From her last visit seven years ago as a student-athlete from University of Oregon and member of Team USA within the Fiba 3×3 World Cup 2018 at Philippine Arena in Bulacan, Ionescu, now a WNBA champion and Paris Olympics gold medalist, was amazed by the energy and excitement of Filipinos upon her arrival.
“Obviously, I didn’t know what to anticipate but with the ability to see all of the love coming here from the fans it means a lot to me for everybody to have the ability to support me all the way in which back in the USA, to have the ability to come back back here and see everyone in person and feel the energy is a blessing and it’s something that I never take as a right,” said Ionescu during her talk at Nike Fort on Monday.
READ: Sabrina Ionescu set for Manila visit
Sabrina Ionescu holds a shooting drill fro Filipino ballers. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/gQqLHfS6te
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 10, 2025
The Recent York Liberty guard, who celebrated her wedding anniversary along with her husband and NFL player Hroniss Grasu in Manila, had an inspiring talk with National University star Camille Clarin, Gilas Pilipinas and Ginebra floor general LA Tenorio, and longtime La Salle Lady Archers coach Cholo Villanueva.
The 5-foot-11 deadshot, who was the primary overall pick within the 2020 WNBA Draft, went straight to the courtyard to affix the Philippine basketball community for shooting drills with UAAP stars led by two-time MVP Kacey Dela Rosa of Ateneo, UP’s Louna Ozar, and other Gilas women players.
Sabrina Ionescu heats up! @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/00jCEFzGPQ
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 10, 2025
As women’s basketball continues to achieve greater heights globally, especially within the US through the WNBA and NCAA, the 27-year-old Ionescu vows to maintain on contributing to growing the game.
“I believe while you get to form of this point at an expert level and also you currently form of understand, it’s about being the very best in your sport, wanting to do what you may within the court. Nevertheless it’s so much larger than that,” she said.
READ: Sabrina Ionescu 3-pointer is latest iconic shot in WNBA history
Filipino basketball community welcomes Sabrina Ionescu. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/lJiGupZV62
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 10, 2025
“It’s form of eye-opening to have the ability to see what number of lives we’re in a position to impact and sometimes, while you’re in it, you don’t really realize. But with the ability to come here and internationally and also you’re in a position to see how the sport continues to grow and tips on how to proceed change it is admittedly what’s essential and what’s all about.”
Women’s basketball within the Philippines has also risen to prominence due to Gilas Pilipinas’ international success. The budding rivalry between NU and UST in UAAP women’s basketball has also contributed to women’s basketball’s popularity within the country. NU and UST’s championship clash last December even set a record in crowd attendance.
The country also saw the creation of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, which was founded last 12 months as an avenue for more female ballers within the country.
Just like the late Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and other NBA stars who inspired generations of basketball players and fans within the country during their respective visits, Ionescu’s Manila tour hopes to take Philippine women’s basketball to a different level.
