The WNBA is gearing up for its historic 30th regular season, and ESPN has just released its highly anticipated preseason top 50 player rankings. Two familiar faces from the University of Oregon—Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally—are making headlines again, this time as teammates on the New York Liberty. Their reunion in the Big Apple has fans buzzing, and ESPN's rankings reflect just how dominant these former Ducks stars can be.
Ionescu climbed one spot from No. 7 to No. 6 in this year's rankings, solidifying her status as one of the league's elite guards. Despite battling a series of nagging injuries—including foot, toe, and neck issues that forced her to miss six games—she still averaged an impressive 18.2 points and 5.7 assists per game, earning her fourth All-Star nod. However, her shooting efficiency took a hit, with just 40.1% from the field and a career-low 29.9% from three-point range. As ESPN's Charlie Creme noted, "Though her 3-point shooting dipped below 30% for the first time in her career, Ionescu ranked seventh in the league in assists and first in free throw percentage (93.3%)." With a fresh three-year contract and a new system under first-year head coach Chris DeMarco, a healthy Ionescu could be primed for a bounce-back season, especially with more playmaking responsibilities.
The Liberty reached the playoffs but stumbled in the first round, falling to the Phoenix Mercury—a team led by none other than Sabally. Ionescu averaged 15.7 points in that series, but even with superstar Breanna Stewart (ranked No. 4 this season) on the roster, New York couldn't advance. That playoff exit set the stage for a major offseason move.
Sabally crossed the country to join the Liberty in free agency, but her ranking slipped slightly from No. 12 to No. 15. Still, her lone season in Phoenix showcased her continued growth as a versatile forward. Known for her scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility, Sabally remains a rising star in the league. Now reunited with her former Oregon teammate, she adds another layer of firepower to a Liberty squad that's hungry for a championship.
For fans of the game—and especially those who love the Oregon Ducks connection—this is a storyline worth watching. Ionescu and Sabally are not just elite talents; they're leaders who could redefine the Liberty's identity. Whether you're gearing up for the season with new gear or just tracking the top talent, these two are players to keep your eyes on.