Triple-double maestro Sabrina Ionescu acquired a ton of attention on Friday after being selected by the New York Liberty with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft.
However, following the major celebratory moment, Ionescu showed Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant some love on Instagram.
Sabrina reflects on her friendship with Kobe after going #1 💜💛
(📸 via @sabrina_i20 / IG) pic.twitter.com/UY2poiuvG3
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 18, 2020
Bryant, who passed away in January, was one of the Ionescu’s mentors.
The pair shared a special relationship. As a matter of fact, the 22-year-old delivered a powerful speech at Bryant’s memorial at Staples Center in February.
The University of Oregon product put together a tremendous collegiate resume. She is the NCAA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles and became the first player in Division I history to put up 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 boards.
Furthermore, the 5-foot-11 point guard is a two-time winner of the John R. Wooden Award and Wade Trophy. Ionescu was named the Naismith Player of the Year in 2020.
While her WNBA career hasn’t even started, there is a strong sense Ionescu will go down as one of the best female basketball players to play the game.
Much like her mentor Bryant, the youngster has a phenomenal will to win and dominate opponents. There’s no doubt the five-time champion had heavy influence on Ionescu.
