EUGENE, Ore. – For three years, Satou Sabally and Sabrina Ionescu lit up the court at the University of Oregon, anchoring one of the most successful eras in Ducks women’s basketball history. Both would go on to become back-to-back top draft picks in the WNBA, but their connection began in the locker room, where Sabally quickly came to admire Ionescu’s relentless drive and shared cultural background.
Today, both stars stand among the WNBA’s elite — Ionescu as a global icon with the New York Liberty, and Sabally as an All-Star forward now thriving with the Phoenix Mercury. Their careers have diverged, but the bond forged in Eugene remains strong.
Admiration From Day One
In a recent episode of Bird’s Eye View with WNBA legend Sue Bird, Sabally reflected on what it was like to play alongside Ionescu at Oregon. Her face lit up as she described the traits that immediately made Ionescu someone she looked up to.
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“She knew early on how the system works and what she wanted. And I think that she didn’t take things lightly, and I loved that,” Sabally said.
As a German-American navigating life in a new country, Sabally also found comfort in Ionescu’s Romanian roots. “I think also her having a Romanian background and kind of that international background, we connected in that way because she understood. She also understood what I’m going through, being in a different country,” she explained.
Building Something Special in Eugene
The connection between the two translated onto the court, helping Oregon climb to national prominence. During their three years together, the Ducks reached the Elite Eight and then the Final Four in consecutive seasons.
Although their final campaign in 2020 was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo’s impact on Oregon basketball was undeniable. “She’s just great. We had such a good time at Oregon, and we went so far too,” Sabally said. “I wish we could’ve had our last year. But even if we didn’t, those relationships will stay forever.”
Their dominance set the stage for the 2020 WNBA Draft, when Ionescu went first overall to the Liberty and Sabally followed at second overall to the Dallas Wings.
A Lifelong Friendship
Beyond basketball, Sabally and Ionescu’s friendship has endured. Last March, Sabally attended Ionescu’s wedding to former NFL lineman Hroniss Grasu, celebrating alongside other Oregon alumni. For Sabally, it was another reminder of how much their journeys have intertwined.
“Being able to go to her wedding and seeing her mature into this global superstar is just so amazing,” Sabally said. “Like, having your shoe and really knowing that you’re the face of Oregon — that is just such a cool honor to have a teammate like that.”
Career Choices and Family Considerations
When Sabally hit free agency last year, speculation swirled that she might join Ionescu in New York, where her younger sister Nyara Sabally also plays. The move could have created a family-and-friends superteam.
But Satou ultimately signed with the Phoenix Mercury, explaining that she wanted to carve out her own space rather than disrupt the established chemistry in New York.
“I feel like New York, they have the machinery that’s oiled, that’s working, they just won with my sister. That’s her team, and I love that,” Sabally said on Good Follow. “Obviously, there’s nothing more than playing with your sister, but my sister is my sis, and she understands my decision.”
Thriving in Phoenix
The decision has paid off. Sabally has emerged as a cornerstone for the Mercury, helping the team to one of the league’s top records this season. As of now, Phoenix sits fourth in the WNBA standings, holding a two-game lead over Ionescu’s Liberty.
While the pair’s professional paths have diverged, their admiration for each other remains intact. Sabally continues to credit Ionescu as an inspiration, both during their time at Oregon and in their journeys since.
Legacy at Oregon
For Oregon fans, the duo represents a golden era. Together, they redefined expectations for Ducks women’s basketball, pushing the program into the national spotlight and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Though they never captured the national championship they chased, Sabally insists the true victory lies in the relationships built. “Those relationships will stay forever,” she said.
And as both women continue to shine on the WNBA stage, their shared history at Oregon remains a powerful reminder of how determination, cultural connection, and mutual respect can spark a lifelong bond.
