Sabrina Ionescu Inspires Youth Through Asia Basketball Tour

MANILA, Philippines — Sabrina Ionescu, a trailblazer in women’s basketball, recently embarked on a transformative tour through Asia, showcasing her skills and inspiring young female athletes. From March 10 to 17, 2023, Ionescu visited Manila, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, aiming to empower the next generation of hoopers through a series of basketball events and community engagements.

The tour kicked off in Manila, where Ionescu engaged with fans and athletes alike at the House of Sabrina pop-up store at Nike Fort. Her itinerary included skills camps, panel discussions, and an all-star exhibition game featuring some of the Philippines’ top basketball talent. This vibrant atmosphere reignited the passion for basketball in hundreds of local youths, as she worked side-by-side with them on the court.

“Being able to deep dive into the culture of basketball and seeing how much the country loves basketball — it was really inspiring to be a part of,” Ionescu said. The excitement was palpable, with one young attendee showcasing his skills by sinking several three-pointers.

The visit also featured the unveiling of two renovated basketball courts at local schools, including the newly transformed Sacred Heart Academy courts, designed by Filipina artist Jill Arteche. Ionescu emphasized the importance of leaving a legacy: “The legacy that I want to share is for you to leave the game better than you found it. Continue to grow the game of basketball and just show up.”

After her impactful sessions in Manila, Ionescu traveled to Guangzhou from March 13 to 15. She hosted a pop-up event for her Sabrina 2 shoe collaboration, led an elite training session, and participated in a panel discussion alongside Chinese National Women’s Basketball Team Captain Yang Liwei. Together, they discussed the challenges and ambitions facing female athletes.

“We need to continue pushing women’s basketball forward and empowering young girls everywhere,” Ionescu remarked during the panel, highlighting the topic of resilience and ambition in sports.

The dedication of a newly constructed court at Tianhe Sports Center was another highlight of Ionescu’s Guangzhou visit, aimed at providing a welcoming space for aspiring female players. This court, alongside the mural painted by local artist Jason Deng depicting key moments from Ionescu’s career, symbolically marked her influence on sport in the region.

The tour concluded in Hong Kong, where Ionescu made surprise appearances at local schools and the Nike All Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Basketball Tournament. Her spontaneous contributions to the games underscored her commitment to elevating the sport.

“Just dropping into these schools and seeing the enthusiasm among the students reminds me why I do what I do,” she said, reflecting on the tour’s impact. She also showcased her new shoe colorway, Apricot Agate, set for release in North America.

For more insights and behind-the-scenes moments from her Asian tour, fans can explore Ionescu’s social media channels and those of her media team.