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‘Continue to influence the next generation of athletes to want to play,’ Olympic and WNBA champion Sabrina Ionescu tells Filipino women’s basketball standouts
MANILA, Philippines – Continue shattering the so-called glass ceiling.
That’s what WNBA superstar Sabrina Ionescu essentially told Filipina basketball players in her first Manila visit, encouraging them to continue pushing themselves as the sport grows in the country.
“I think [they should be able to] continue to break barriers and kind of change the sport in different areas,” said Ionescu, who had an eventful 2024, winning her first WNBA championship with the New York Liberty and an Olympic gold medal in the Paris Games.
“But as these players are able to tap in, to go play in different countries — hopefully to play in different countries, hopefully come play in the WNBA — and continue to understand where they came from,” she added during a media availability at the Peninsula Manila on Tuesday, March 11.
“Continue to influence the next generation of athletes to want to play.”
Although women’s basketball has long played second fiddle to its male counterpart, the sport has started to thrive in several countries.
In the Philippines, Gilas Pilipinas Women retained their placing in the top division of FIBA Asia in 2024, with promising young players like UAAP Most Valuable Player Kacey dela Rosa welcomed in the national team roster.
Jack Animam, the national team’s towering stalwart, has also spearheaded the Filipinas’ international expansion, playing in Europe, China, and Australia.
Many Filipina basketball players also found a home in the recently launched Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, where the top collegiate and professional-level players showcase their talent.
“I think the Philippines is up there, right below the United States for women’s basketball, and the love and admiration that this country has for women,” said Ionescu.
“I would say it’s [all about] continuing to just strive to what it is that you want to accomplish, and don’t give up because you can be right there [in the WNBA].”
Face of the game
Ionescu, a Nike endorser, visited Manila — one of just three stops in Asia — for the 2025 Sabrina Manila Tour: Craft the Future Showcase.
Known for her sharpshooting prowess, the 5-foot-11 guard bannered various basketball-related activities, including a training camp at Nike’s Courtyard in Taguig, a panel discussion, and an exhibition game and a three-point shootout with local standout players.
NU Lady Bulldogs team captain and Gilas veteran Camille Clarin, who joined the panel and other events, said even though “women’s basketball isn’t as glorified as the men’s,” having Ionescu stop by the country is a big deal.
“For them to put a face in the game, it’s a great experience for the young girls to see that,” said Clarin, adding “it shows that they are taking the women’s game seriously now.”
In an exhibition on Tuesday, March 11, Ionescu dazzled the crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But the local players also made sure to keep in step, with Gilas Women stalwart Khate Castillo even showcasing her wares by beating Ionescu in the three-point shootout.
Castillo displayed her marksmanship to finish with 19 points, edging Ionescu, who fired 16.
National team veteran Janine Pontejos also shot 16 points, while PBA three-point king Marcio Lassiter had 13, and La Salle sniper Luisa San Juan scored 9.
Clarin shared how Ionescu had been relatable all throughout, noting they even had similar tales of heartbreak and triumph — both the Liberty and Lady Bulldogs lost in their respective championship series in 2023 — and won in classic finals series in 2024.
“Those losses, they are part of the game,” said Clarin. “And I think detaching yourself from the outcome, and just enjoying the process of becoming a better player, that’s what I took away from our conversation the most.” – Rappler.com
