The Road to All-Star: Ezi Magbegor's Impact on and off the Court
July 13, 2023 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Seattle Storm News Release
For four years, Ezi Magbegor has been a household name in the Emerald City, after all she did become a WNBA champion her rookie season.
But it wasn't until 2023 that Magbegor took flight, leading an unfamiliar Storm team towards a new era of women's hoops in Seattle.
Prior to the start of the season, Magbegor set a goal of becoming a 2023 All-Star, confident in her primarily linear growth since the launch of her WNBA career in 2020. On Jul. 1, the 6-foot-4 forward's aspirations became a reality.
"Being an All-Star is something that we talked about from day one, that was my goal for her. Knowing that she could get there and has everything in her toolbox to be successful," Jewell Loyd said. "She's been doing the work, she's been getting better and playing overseas helped her a lot, she came back a different person. Also, time, the growth you have in yourself as a player and a person. I'm her number one fan and she knows that."
Fans and teammates have watched the forward evolve into a highly developed player since her initial appearance in 2020. Magbegor averaged 13.3 minutes, 6.5 points, and 2.5 rebounds her rookie season. In 2023, she has more than doubled her time on the floor and points per game while tripling her rebounds.
Magbegor has already achieved a number of milestones just midway through the 2023 season, including recording her 500th career rebound on Jul. 8 at New York, becoming the third youngest player in franchise history to reach that mark (behind former Storm power forward Breanna Stewart).
On a rookie heavy lineup with team chemistry in the works, Magbegor brings invaluable experience on both ends of the floor and leads the team in the middle with ease.
Quinn recalls detecting Magbegor's All-Star potential last season, through glimpses of versatility on both ends of the floor. Magbegor has been able to step up and shine on the court this season with an almost entirely revamped roster.
"I think she's very, very athletic and crafty with how she can get to the rim and utilizing her speed," Quinn said. "Defensively she is very instinctual. She's one of one in my opinion. She has had a huge opportunity to be an All-Star this year and I'm super proud of her,"
Teammates rallied around Magbegor once the news was announced, taking turns giving their adored teammate hugs and pats on the back. Magbegor was smiling from ear-to-ear, having found out the previous day.
It was clear at that moment that Magbegor's positive impact stretches well beyond the basketball court.
Magbegor played a leading role in the Storm's 2023 annual Toy Drive serving Seattle Children's. Magbegor was actively involved in this year's campaign, and personally delivered all the toys following the conclusion of the drive.
"Yes, it's Ezi as a player she absolutely deserves it and is having an incredible year, but to know her as a person you just adore her," Sami Whitcomb said. "It's hard to imagine it happening for a better person. Her personality is contagious, her smile. It's really enjoyable to see her be rewarded for her hard work and it was really genuine happiness for her."
Magbegor will suit up alongside teammate and "her number one fan", Jewell Loyd on captain Breanna Stewart's All-Star team.
Magbegor's peers are confident that her appearance in the 2023 All-Star game will be the first of many high-scale accomplishments to come in her young WNBA career.
"What's really special about Ezi is I don't think she has a ceiling," Whitcomb said. "She can become and do anything that she wants to."
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from July 13, 2023
- Natasha Howard Wins Western Conference Player of the Week - Dallas Wings
- Breanna Stewart Earns Third Eastern Conference Player of the Week Honor - New York Liberty
- The Road to All-Star: Ezi Magbegor's Impact on and off the Court - Seattle Storm
- Grammy®-Nominated Artist Kehlani to Perform at WNBA All-Star Halftime Presented by AT&T During 2023 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game - Las Vegas Aces
- Grammy®-Nominated Artist Kehlani to Perform at WNBA All-Star Halftime Presented by AT&T During 2023 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game - WNBA
- Three Dream Players Head to Vegas as All-Star - Atlanta Dream
- Sabrina Ionescu to Compete in WNBA STARRY® 3-Point Contest on July 14 - New York Liberty
- Atlanta Dream Win Sixth Consecutive Game - Atlanta Dream
- Kelsey Mitchell to Participate in Starry WNBA 3-Point Contest - Indiana Fever
- Sami Whitcomb Selected for WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest - Seattle Storm
- Star-Studded Starry® WNBA 3-Point Contest to Feature Las Vegas Aces' Jackie Young and New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu - WNBA
- WNBA Announces Multi-Year Partnership with Mielle - WNBA
- Aces Head into All-Star Break with League-Best 19-2 Mark Following 97-78 Win at Los Angeles - Las Vegas Aces
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