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Growing up in the 90’s, I had dreams of playing one on one with Michael Jordan, and I couldn’t imagine meeting him, let alone competing against him.
For quite some time, Ionescu has been a dedicated admirer of NBA star Steph Curry. Since she was 10 years old, he even graced the screen background of her phone. Like many young sports enthusiasts, Ionescu adorned her bedroom with Curry memorabilia, including posters and pictures.
This weekend, the two superstars will face off in the “Stephen vs. Sabrina” 3-point challenge. As a four-time NBA Champion, the Warriors star has been an inspiration to Ionescu in numerous ways. Likewise, the Liberty guard has made a significant impact on Curry, and their friendship spans many years.
“I was about 10, and watched him from up in the stands,” Ionescu told the media on a video conference call. “I just knew how much he inspired me from a really young age, and who I wanted to model my game after, as a basketball player, but as a person.”
Sabrina Ionescu has been a fan of Steph Curry from 10 years old, and even had him as the background of her phone. She went to games and developed a relationship with him through college.
“I was about 10 and watched him from up in the stands. And just knew how much he inspired…
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) February 14, 2024
With a connection to the late Kobe Bryant, Ionescu shares similarities in her game with Curry. Renowned as two of the finest three-point shooters in basketball, both are notorious for their ability to sink shots from well beyond the three-point line.
Raised in California, Ionescu hails from Walnut Creek, near the Bay Area, and attended Miramonte High School in Orinda, California. Coincidentally, her proximity allowed her to attend games during her upbringing. Curry, 35, is in his 15th NBA season, all with the Warriors.
Sabrina Ionescu grew up idolizing Steph Curry
In a video call with the media, Ionescu expressed, “I couldn’t have asked for a better idol and mentor, and someone I can look up to and want to emulate my game after and who I am as a person.” She emphasized that Curry’s authenticity, as seen in public, has been crucial in her endeavor to remain genuine and true to herself.”
For Curry, he recognizes how significant she is to the game of basketball and acknowledges her dedication to her craft.
“There’s a wave around her every time she steps foot on the floor,” said Curry. “You see somebody that has that look, that determination, and that reverence for the game. How you handle yourself and how you carry yourself with that spotlight, it’s not easy.”
He describes the former Oregon Duck as a “true ambassador for the game, somebody that you would want your daughters, your sons to looks up to.”
When did Steph and Sabrina develop their connection?
Look who showed up to @sabrina_i20’s practice 👀
It’s goin’ down tomorrow night for Stephen vs Sabrina at 8pm/ET on TNT pic.twitter.com/qvRfHhv21z
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 16, 2024
Apart from Sabrina growing up in the backyard of Curry’s success, there’s interest in exploring the roots of their connection. Like Curry, she’s motivated, and of course, the two share the Bay-Area connection. Curry made it known Sabrina “was a true Warriors die-hard fan from the jump,” which makes the relationship even more special.
Leading up to the NBA All-Star weekend, Curry highlighted that their connection dates back to Ionescu’s college days at Oregon. He mentioned taking his children to her games, where Sabrina made them feel valued and cherished.
In fact, while the two haven’t officially competed on the court just yet, it sounds like they’ve gone up against each other quite a few times back at home.
“Well, Steph remembers the last time that we played up in San Francisco, “Sabrina chuckled during her interaction with the media. “So, I don’t know if he wants to talk about it. Curry was quick to point out “Thats why I called her the champ.”
Perhaps Sabrina left Curry stumbling on the floor with some ankle breaking moves. Though we may never have the full details, it’s heartening to witness their connection evolve over the years.
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