Sabrina Ionescu has already tried to get ahead of her extensive packing list for the month-long break from the WNBA season that will feature her first Olympic games.
Following the Liberty’s crucial game against the No. 2 Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night, she has a tight schedule as one of three Liberty players flying to Phoenix for the WNBA All-Star game on Saturday with Paris quickly to follow.
“A little overwhelming. There’s a lot going on, I’m not gonna lie,” Ionescu said with a laugh at the Liberty’s morning shootaround on Tuesday. “Being busy like this is a blessing and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Although a little break does sound nice.”
At 26 years old and with four years in the league, Ionescu is the youngest member of the United States women’s national team.
It has given her a “deer in headlights” feeling when it comes to expectations for the global spectacle.
Teammate and two-time gold medalist Breanna Stewart has told Ionescu to expect “goosebumps” and “once in a lifetime feelings” at the opening ceremony.
Head coach Sandy Brondello, who is entering her second Olympics as a coach for Australia, said to “enjoy the whole experience,” but to remember that “we’re here to play.”
However, it’s not lost on Ionescu that she is in a unique position — a chance for midseason learning opportunities from WNBA veterans and to represent the future of the women’s national team, which is chasing its eighth consecutive gold medal.
“I’ve thought about that. Just like definitely being the one with the least experience, the youngest,” Ionescu said. “For me, it means a lot. It’s kind of like that new wave of athletes coming in, representing the younger generation who hasn’t been there. But it’s fighting for a spot and wanting to continue to push the game forward, and being the best that I can and learn from the players that have been there — the best players in the league. … It’s invaluable.”
Ionescu said it will be “weird” to not play under Brondello, but not so much that she won’t try to disrupt her coach’s Olympic plans.
“I know all their play calls so I’ll make sure to call them out,” Ionescu joked. “I’m excited for [Brondello]. I know how much it means to her to want to go out there and win for her country, and wish her the best of luck.”
Along with Ionescu, Stewart and Brondello with the United States, the Liberty’s Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich will be representing Germany in the country’s women’s basketball Olympic debut.
The Liberty’s five Olympians are second-most to the Aces’ six players that will make the trip to Paris — A’ja Wilson (USA), Chelsea Gray (USA), Kelsey Plum (USA), Jackie Young (USA), Tiffany Hayes (Azerbaijan’s 3×3 team) and Megan Gustafson (Spain).