It’s been nearly two years since the Oregon Ducks women’s basketball team has played in front of the fans. So what better way to celebrate the occasion than to invite three of the most popular players to be in the program?
Before their first exhibition game against St. Martin’s Oct. 28, Sabrina Ionescu, Ruthy Hebard, and Satou Sabally will be honored sometime during the game with a video tribute. The players themselves will also be in attendance, making it even more special.
“Ruthy had a chance to talk with the team already,” Ducks head cooach Kelly Graves said. “(Winning the WNBA title) was an incredible accomplishment for her and her team. It’s really special. You can’t turn on a commercial without seeing Sabrina. Satou is on the front page of the Jordan brand. It’ll be a really special night. We’re proud of what they did for the program and what they continue to do.”
Graves said the occasion of honoring the Big 3 came together naturally. Hebard and Minyon Moore, who was also on that 2019 team, were going to be in town, and Ionescu and Sabally said they would come also.
“It just happened to work out right now. Hopefully, they get a big cheer,” Graves said. “It’s cool for our current players to get to know them. Only Sedona (Prince) and Satou (Sabally) were here when they were here.”