Growing up in the Bay Area, Sabrina Ionescu was just like any other kid with hoop dreams — except maybe a bit more obsessed. She was a diehard Warriors fan, with Steph Curry as her idol. She went to countless games, studied his every move, and even had the two-time MVP as her phone wallpaper. That full-circle moment? It’s not lost on her. “I love having a relationship with Curry,” she said. “I remember when I was little, watching him and emulating my game after him, and now I’m able to call or text him any time.” And it’s not lost on Curry either.

“It’s pretty amazing to see her set new levels of expectation for what greatness is, not just for women’s basketball but for basketball in general,” Curry said. And he’s right. Ionescu isn’t just living up to expectations — she’s raising them. In 2023, she shot a league-best 44.8% from three, and in the WNBA 3-point shootout, she shattered records, posting a jaw-dropping 37 points, the highest ever — NBA or WNBA. The following year, she had the best season yet, averaging 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, landing her 6th in the MVP voting. But just like young Sabrina looked up to Steph, she now wants to be that kind of figure for the next generation.

And that’s where Eddy Ionescu — Sabrina’s brother — steps in. Eddy, a former player himself, founded the Ionescu Skills Academy, a premier basketball development program that reflects everything the Ionescus believe in. From youth hoopers to pros, the academy is all about intentional growth. The training? Focused and individualized. The goals? Bigger than just getting buckets.

“We focus on individualized training that sharpens technical abilities, boosts basketball IQ, and improves overall athletic performance,” reads the academy’s mission. “We aim to cultivate well-rounded players, emphasizing shooting, ball handling, footwork, and conditioning.”

It’s the kind of place Sabrina would’ve dreamed of as a kid — and now she gets to be a part of it. Recently, Sabrina helped to spotlight one of the academy’s big achievements. Reposting their latest announcement, she wrote: “Bay Area Hooper LFG 🔥”

The post? An official announcement of the academy’s new collaboration with One in One Premier Basketball — a two-week clinic bringing together elite coaching and youth development. “This unique opportunity combines the expertise and training techniques of player development coach Eddy Ionescu. Whether you’re looking to refine your fundamentals or take your skills to new heights, this clinic is designed for players of all skill levels and ages,” the announcement read.

It’s clear Sabrina isn’t just showing support as a sister. She’s investing in a vision. But, there’s more than love for basketball, and her brother for promoting the academy.

Sabrina Ionescu just returned from doing her part

Sabrina Ionescu isn’t just about collecting rings—she’s about giving back. Through her SI20 Foundation, she’s nurturing the next generation of basketball talent. From hosting training camps to leading community events, she’s making sure young athletes get the chance to grow.

Her recent trip to Asia is a testament to that. In Manila, Ionescu hosted panel discussions, led skills camps for female hoopers, and even hit the court herself at the iconic Araneta Coliseum. In wrapping up her visit, she unveiled a brand-new basketball court at a school in Bulacan.

“The legacy that I want to share is for you to leave the game better than you found it. Continue to grow the game of basketball and just show up,” she said, following the tour. From the W court, to the tour, and now her brother’s venture, Ionescu hasn’t deterred on her words.