Sabrina Ionescu says Mamba Mentality ‘is exactly who I am’ as the late Kobe Bryant continues as a source of guidance in the WNBA

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu says the late Kobe Bryant’s legendary Mamba Mentality is a source of guidance in her career.

The WNBA star developed a special bond with the Los Angeles Lakers legend, and the two communicated regularly before her tragic death in 2020.

3

3

Ionescu, 26, even spoke at Bryant’s memorial service at the then-Staples Center after the five-time NBA champion and his daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash.

She talked about how Kobe – his relentless pursuit of perfection and impeccable work ethic that came to be known as the Mamba Mentality – shaped her basketball career.

“I grew up watching Kobe Bryant game after game, ring after ring, living his greatness unapologetically,” the Oregon standout said just months before the Liberty drafted her first overall.

“I wanted to be like him, love every part of the competition, be the first to arrive and the last to leave, love the routine, do my best when I don’t feel well and do other things. people around you the best version of themselves.”

“And wake up and do it again the next day.”

Four years into her WNBA career, Ionescu remains faithful to the teachings of the Black Mamba.

“It’s who I am and who I’ve been since I started playing basketball, in terms of just wanting to win, wanting to be the best I can be,” the two-time All-Star told The US Sun last month.

“And I haven’t really changed any of that since I started playing.”

Ionescu’s pursuit of greatness has already yielded impressive results – both for her and the WNBA as a whole.

She became the first WNBA player to record a triple-double of more than 30 points, as well as accumulate more than 500 points, 200 rebounds and 200 assists in a single season.

This year, the California native broke Steph Curry’s single-round record in the All-Star 3-point Contest, leading to a historic showdown with the Golden State Warriors star during NBA All-Star Weekend.

But while her role in the growth of women’s football is undeniable, Ionescu remains humble.

“It’s something that, I think, I’m naturally doing in terms of being a part of this league,” she said.

“Using my platform, just continuing to do what I do on the court and letting it happen.

“And obviously continuing to grow my business off the court.

“I think that continues to drive the game forward.”

Of course.

Ionescu’s Nike sneakers, the Sabrina 1s, have been prevalent on NBA courts over the past year, worn by the likes of Jrue Holiday, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton.

The freedom guard has starred in commercials for State Farm and CarMax – appearing in the latter alongside fellow WNBA stars A’Ja Wilson and Sue Bird.

Meanwhile, his SI20 Foundation looks after the future generation of basketball stars, both male and female.

In addition to youth camps, Ionescu’s nonprofit recently partnered with the 2K Foundation to renovate the basketball court at the LA Boys & Girls Club.

Ionescu channels the Mamba mentality on and off the court, which explains why she has grown closer to Bryant’s former teammate and close friend Pau Gasol in recent years.

Gasol considers Sabrina “his little sister” — and, like an older brother would, brims with pride when talking about the WNBA star.

“I’m very happy for her to continue to develop her game, continue to play at a high level,” Gasol told The US Sun after New York’s win over the Indiana Fever in mid-May.

“I know she will continue to work to get better and better each season.”