Sabrina Ionescu’s Philippine tour has only just begun, but it has highlighted her impact since growing into a household name in women’s basketball.
Even before her Philippine tour officially began, Sabrina Ionescu was already treated to a warm reception by the local basketball fanbase.
A day before kicking off her first set of activities in Manila, the New York Liberty guard made a surprise appearance at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, where fans (and bypassers) grabbed the rare opportunity to see the WNBA superstar in the flesh.
Some were even lucky to have their memorabilia such as Liberty jerseys and Nike Sabrina sneakers signed by the 27-year-old as she interacted with her supporters along the streets of BGC on a Sunday night.
This marks Sabrina’s first time back in the Philippines since playing for Team USA in the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup held at the Philippine Arena. But this time around, she knows that her dream has gotten way bigger than simply mastering the game of basketball.
Having gone from an NCAA Division 1 star to a WNBA champion, the proud Oregon product has well embraced her role as an inspiration for young athletes looking to chase their hoop dreams.
“I kind of realized that through my career as I’ve continued to go through college and professionally, being able to inspire the next generation of athletes that are going to come in and be better than you are. And the whole goal is to leave the game better than you found it” said Sabrina, the all-time WNBA record holder for assists and triple-doubles.
“And for me, it’s kind of eye-opening to be able to see how many lives you are able to impact, and sometimes when you’re in it, you don’t fully realize that. But being able to come here and you’re across the world, and you’re able to see how the game continues to grow and how you can continue to change it is really what’s important and what it’s all about.”
Day 1 of Sabrina Ionescu’s Philippine tour included a panel talk with local basketball figures in Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio, three-time UAAP champion Camille Clarin, and longtime DLSU Lady Archers coach Cholo Villanueva.
Shortly after the insightful discussion, the Liberty guard hosted a skills camp at the Courtyard in BGC, where she passed on her knowledge and interacted with young basketball talents throughout the afternoon.
On top of these activities were the fans who braved the intense Manila heat just to see Sabrina, who willingly returned the love by accommodating large groups and trying to sign as much memorabilia as she could like Sunday’s appearance.
As she feels the love from the Philippines, Sabrina admitted being in awe after witnessing the huge fanbase that she has in the country.
“It’s something that you can’t really put into words. Obviously, I didn’t know what to expect, but being able to see all the love coming here from the fans, obviously,y it means so much to me for everyone to be able to support me all the way back in the United States,” Sabrina said when asked about the initial reception she’s received.
“To be able to come back here and just to see everyone in person and feel the energy is a blessing, it’s something that I never take for granted.”
Growing the local game
Sabrina Ionescu’s 2025 tour coincides with the steady rise of Philippine women’s basketball, which includes huge wins such as the Gilas Pilipinas Girls’ FIBA U-18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B gold medal in 2024 alone.
In the UAAP, there’s the growing UST and NU rivalry, which has attracted sizable crowds from each school to watch the high-level matchups between the two sides. Last but not least is the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), which is in the midst of its inaugural tourney.
As the local scene continues to grow, Sabrina emphasizes the importance of patience, while persevering to showcase the immense talent level of Filipina basketball players to gain well-deserved prominence.
“It’s not being satisfied and continuing to chip day-by-day, one percent every single day. It’s not going to happen overnight, it’s not going to be an overnight shift. But it’s continuing to believe in the product, what it is that these young women are doing in this area,” she shared.
“Us back in the States firmly believe that every location everywhere deserves to continue to grow and pour investment in and to continue to have these young girls believe that they can come out and accomplish whatever they want to do and whether it’s to play in the WNBA, play overseas, or be the best athletes that they can.”
The job is far from finished in the Philippines, but Sabrina knows that like in the States, the efforts to grow the game locally will one day “come around” and finally bear fruit.
“And when it does come around, everyone needs to be ready for that moment, because it’s going to be ready for that moment because it’s going to be a big one that could change the world,” said the one-time WNBA champion.
Sabrina Ionescu herself will continue to inspire Filipina ballers throughout her Philippine tour, which still includes an exhibition game at the storied Araneta Coliseum, and a basketball clinic in Santa Maria, Bulacan.
As she embarks on the rest of her tour, Sabrina made sure to send some love once more towards the Philippine basketball faithful.
“I haven’t been back here in a really long time and I was really happy to come back because I know the love for basketball is real here, and I just want to say thank you on my behalf. Everyone back at home, we feel it, we know the support,” Sabrina said.
“And hopefully, you’re able to feel that reciprocated back to you through the energy that I’m able to pour into being here in Manila during my time.”
Images taken by RJ Ballecer.