Aussies in the WNBA: Ezi Magbegor

• Impressive defensive prowess and WNBA All-Defensive First Team selection in 2024
• Rapid rise to become a WNBA All-Star by her fourth season in 2023
• Olympic bronze medallist with the Australian Opals at the 2024 Paris Games

Ezi Magbegor is a rising star in women's basketball, known for her defensive skills, versatility, and continuous improvement at both the international and WNBA levels. She played a significant role in the Australian Opals bronze medal win at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Key Details

Name: Eziyoda "Ezi" Magbegor
Age: 25
Team(s): Seattle Storm (WNBA), USK Prague (EuroLeague Women)
Position: Centre
Size: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight: 181 lb (82 kg)

Playing style

Ezi Magbegor's playing style is characterised by her exceptional defensive abilities and ever-improving offensive game. At 6'4", she possesses the length and agility to be a formidable rim protector, consistently ranking among the league leaders in blocks. Her lateral quickness allows her to switch onto smaller players on the perimeter, making her a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions.

Offensively, Magbegor has shown steady improvement since entering the WNBA. Initially known primarily for her ability to finish around the rim, she has expanded her game to include a reliable mid-range jumper and improved passing skills. Her high basketball IQ and willingness to set solid screens make her an valuable asset in pick-and-roll situations, while her athleticism allows her to run the floor effectively in transition.

Career

Magbegor's professional career began in Australia's WNBL, where she quickly established herself as one of the league's top young talents. After stints with the Canberra Capitals and Melbourne Boomers, she was selected 12th overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2019 WNBA draft. Magbegor chose to remain in Australia for the 2019 season to continue her development before joining the Storm in 2020.

Her rookie WNBA season coincided with the league's "bubble" season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite limited playing time, Magbegor contributed to the Storm's championship run, becoming the second-youngest player in WNBA history to win a title. Her role steadily increased over the next two seasons, culminating in her first All-Star selection in 2023.

The 2023 season marked a significant step forward for Magbegor. With the departure of several veteran players, she stepped into a starting role and posted career-highs across the board. Her defensive prowess was recognised with a second consecutive All-Defensive Second Team selection.

In 2024, Magbegor continued her upward trajectory. Despite not being selected for the All-Star game (a decision widely criticised by basketball analysts), she earned her first All-Defensive First Team honours. Her improved offensive game and consistent defensive impact have solidified her position as a cornerstone of the Storm's future.

Internationally, Magbegor has been a key member of the Australian national team since her debut in 2018. She played a significant role in the Opals' bronze medal-winning campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing her ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Five Fast Facts

1. Born in Wellington, New Zealand to Nigerian parents before moving to Australia at age six
2. Won the FIBA U17 World Championship MVP award in 2016, leading Australia to gold
3. Became a WNBA champion in her rookie season with the Seattle Storm in 2020
4. Studying for a Bachelor of Psychology at Deakin University, inspired by Kobe Bryant's "Mamba Mentality"
5. Named to the All-EuroLeague Women First Team in 2024 while playing for USK Prague

Career Highlights Timeline

2016: Named MVP of the FIBA U17 World Championship, leading Australia to gold

2017: Made WNBL debut with Canberra Capitals

2018: Commonwealth Games gold medallist with Australian Opals

2019: Drafted 12th overall by Seattle Storm in WNBA Draft

2020: WNBA Champion with Seattle Storm in rookie season

2021: WNBA Commissioner's Cup champion with Seattle Storm

2022: Named to WNBA All-Defensive Second Team for the first time

2023: Selected as a WNBA All-Star for the first time

2024: Named to WNBA All-Defensive First Team; Olympic bronze medallist with Australian Opals

Ezi Magbegor's rapid ascent in women's basketball is a testament to her work ethic, versatility, and natural talent. From her early success in Australia's WNBL to becoming a key player for both the Seattle Storm and the Australian national team, Magbegor has consistently shown improvement and adaptability.

As she enters her prime years, Magbegor is poised to become one of the premier two-way players in the WNBA. Her defensive prowess is already well-established, and her expanding offensive game suggests even greater potential. With a WNBA championship, multiple All-Defensive team selections, and an Olympic medal already to her name, Magbegor's future in basketball looks exceptionally bright.