Oregon women's basketball legend Sabrina Ionescu returned to Matthew Knight Arena, and fans were ecstatic to welcome the “Queen of Eugene” back to town.
In front of a sellout crowd of 12,364 fans, the New York Liberty defeated the Toyota Antelopes of the Women’s Japan Basketball League 84-61 in their final exhibition game before regular season play.
“It's something I've always dreamed about,” Ionescu said. “Just to be able to take the court one more time, obviously never thought that it’s something I’d be able to do…and just continue to make an impact on this community.”
Fans filled the arena wearing Ionescu’s USA, New York Liberty and Oregon jerseys, showing their support for every phase of her basketball career. Among the sea of jerseys and homemade signs, many reflected on how Ionescu continues to inspire the next generation both on and off the court.
“I think she's a great role model for a lot of the young boys and girls in town. She’s someone that kinda feels homegrown, and for her to come back and do this — I think it just means a lot for people,” Britton Reeser said. “You can just tell by all the New York Liberty gear that are in the audience that she has this huge following, and people have this allegiance to her.”
Ionescu has made a consistent effort to give back to her college community. That commitment to giving back was on full display this weekend, as she used her platform to uplift young athletes in the greater Eugene area. Through her SI20 Foundation, Ionescu arrived in Eugene early to host a basketball clinic.
According to the SI20 Foundation website, the mission is “to equip youth from all backgrounds and skill levels with equitable access to sports that create genuine connections and build stronger communities for life.”
At the clinic, Ionescu led drills and played games with participants to help develop their skills. For many of the kids in attendance, the chance to learn from a WNBA star wasn't just fun — it was unforgettable.
“It means a lot to me because I’ve always been looking up to her,” said 11-year-old Allison Robinson. “I play basketball, so I really like to watch her play — I think she’s amazing.”
Ionescu’s impact on women’s athletics continues to be profound and everlasting. Having the star back at home celebrated women’s sports at every level. For many local families, her return was a source of Oregon pride and excitement.
“I’ve got two daughters that both look up to her, they are obsessed with her and are loving the fact that she’s here locally,” Matthew Hardy said. “The whole community loves her, we support her.”
Jerome and his daughter Jasmine showed up to the game wearing matching hoodies that read, “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports.”
"I actually coach girls' basketball at the high school level," Jerome shared. When asked about the significance of the slogan on their hoodies, he added, "It means everything to us because it's a part of everything I do as a coach."
Longtime supporter Katie Byington fondly recalled Sabrina Ionescu’s college career and the nostalgia of watching her and teammate Nyara Sabally play at Oregon.
“She was robbed her last year —- they would’ve won the natty for sure,” Byington said about Ionescu’s 2020 season.
The atmosphere inside Matthew Knight Arena on Monday was electric —- a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players to ever wear a Ducks jersey. Even Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello was struck by the outpouring of love from the Oregon crowd.
“Look at the support here, it’s fascinating,” Brondello said. “Sabrina’s loved everywhere, but this is where it all began for her — once a Duck, always a Duck.”