It was a smart and bold choice by Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu to commit to the University of Oregon, taking the reins of the Mighty Ducks rather than joining already-established powerhouses like UConn, Baylor, or Washington. She chose leadership over following a legacy, and that decision has now cemented her place among the legends of the game. As Week 7 of GameDay rolled on, Sabrina took a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Sabrina shared her candid reaction upon returning to the University, saying, “It’s not about me, it’s about this amazing university. Look at the fan turnout we have, the support.” She was greeted by fans waving “Sabrina Ionescu” signs and cheering her name through the packed crowd, making her return feel truly unforgettable.

Speaking with GameDay reporter Jess Sims, a former Liberty game host at Barclays Center, Sabrina added, “It feels amazing. Every time I’m able to come back, represent the University of Oregon, it’s a blessing for me. I didn’t have to prepare too much, I know what my pick is.”  Sure, it’s not hard to guess which team Sabrina would pick between Oregon and Indiana.

The moment was truly special for Sabrina Ionescu, as she became the first woman to sit in GameDay’s celebrity chair twice. Charles Barkley leads the pack with six appearances in the spotlight, while other New York sports icons to earn the honor include Joe Namath and Alex Rodriguez, just like Ionescu.

Her first appearance was in October 2022, when Oregon defeated UCLA 45-30—a game highlighted by five touchdown passes from future Denver Bronco Bo Nix and the alma mater of her then-future Liberty teammate, Kennedy Burke. 

This time around, Ionescu returned as the celebrity guest picker ahead of a crucial Big Ten clash, with the Ducks taking on Indiana University. Her visit set the stage for the current Oregon team, ranked third in the nation in the latest Associated Press poll, as they prepared for an afternoon showdown against No. 7 Indiana.

Ionescu played for the Oregon Ducks for four years, from 2016 to 2020, and made an immediate impact. In her very first season, she earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, Pac-12 Rookie of the Year, and several other honors, averaging 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. 

Her deep connection to the program made her pick for GameDay an easy one; she didn’t even hesitate, declaring that the “grass is [darn] green in Eugene” and predicting a “million”-point victory for her beloved Ducks.

But her loyalty to Oregon is not just limited to the court. The Ducks helped shape both her personal and professional journey, propelling her to the top of the WNBA Draft in 2020 and through her marriage to former Oregon All-American offensive lineman Hronnis Grasu. 

And she didn’t come back to her alma mater empty-handed; Sabrina arrived bearing gifts, playing Santa early for the Ducks and their fans.

Sabrina Ionescu’s Gaming-Inspired Nike 3

Nike has unveiled the Sabrina 3 “Gamer,” a bold new colorway inspired by the flashing lights and energy of classic video games. With a bright green base, vivid purple accents, and digital-inspired details, the shoes aren’t just for style; they are efficient as well. Built for better performance, they are lightweight and responsive and perfect for athletes. The design even mirrors her NBA 2K24 cover art, turning the sneakers into a checklist of her personality.

The “Gamer” theme is no accident. Sabrina has always been a self-proclaimed gamer, spending time with NBA 2K and Halo. She’s used her love of gaming to inspire young women to play sports and even advocated for the WNBA to appear in NBA 2K. This sneaker is a perfect bridge between the two worlds she’s passionate about—basketball and gaming.

Sabrina’s partnership with Nike has been a story of consistency and creativity. From her first signature sneaker to this third edition, every shoe reflects her style, her story, and her dedication to the game. The new shoe itself is a testament to that. Every detail, from the vertical Swoosh to the digital-inspired patterns, celebrates her journey, her Romanian roots, and her drive to push the game forward.

The aim? Simple. “This shoe represents so much of me, from the vertical Swoosh that we’ve had since the Sabrina 1 to the design touches personal to me. I hope it inspires all hoopers, especially young girls, helping them break down barriers and believe in themselves,” Sabrina said.