Storm is more than a clever nickname: for Ezi Magbegor and Seattle, it’s a commitment to excellence.
For Seattle, the big three rain on the opposition and cover the sky with their dark clouds. However, the thunder comes from down under with their Australian center. In her third year with the Storm, Magbegor warns her opponents with defense as the 22-year-old becomes a defensive piece to a championship puzzle in the Emerald City.
Magbegor Starts At Home
Magbegor started her basketball career in her native country, Australia. In 2018 she signed a three-year deal with the Melbourne Boomers in the NBL. Magbegor led the team in scoring with 15.4 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per contest and received the Betty Watson Australian Youth Player of the Year award. In 2020 she averaged 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds and led Melbourne to the preliminary final. She averaged 15.4 points and 8.8 rebounds in the tournament and made the 2020 All-WNBL Second team.
Magbegor developed her game in Australia, preparing for the next level.
Seattle Storm Select Ezi Magbegor
Seattle selected Magbegor with the 12th pick in the 2019 draft. However, she didn’t join the Storm right away. According to Storm CEO Alisha Valavanis, as reported by the Seattle Times, she “…knew before the draft that Ezi was committed to staying in Australia and developing in 2019.” Magbegor stayed in Australia to develop her game and become the next great Aussie to play in the WNBA.
Magbegor started her WNBA career in Bradenton, Florida, in the 2020 wubble. She gave a thunderous warning to her opponents while making the Storm a contender and averaging 6.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Additionally, Magbegor exhibited moments of stardom by developing her game while coming off the bench and becoming the second-youngest player to win a WNBA championship.
https://twitter.com/NBL1/status/1313717095431979008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1313717095431979008%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsirensport.com.au%2Fbasketball%2Fezi-magbegor-on-the-wnba-aussie-hoops-and-sport-for-social-justice%2F
After a year in the league, Magbegor was ready to represent her country on the biggest stage.
EZI, EZI, EZI, OI, OI, OI!
After leaving the wubble, she brought her game to Team Australia in the 2021 Olympics. She averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game, although Australia didn’t earn a medal. Playing in her first Olympics helped her improve, and she will be a vital part of Team Australia’s future. Since Liz Cambage opted out, all Magbegor needed was an opportunity to flourish, and she needed that same chance with the Storm.
https://twitter.com/basketballaus/status/1418869576599801873
Seattle’s Future Is Ezi Money
With Mercedes Russell missing the beginning of the season, Magbegor blossomed as a starting center. She fits in next to the big three, brings her defense every game, and when starting, averages 11.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and three blocks per game. Magbegor sends shots back left and right as her defensive presence menaces opponents yet only now sprinkles her tempestuous talents. In a loss against the Phoenix Mercury, she blocked a career-high seven shots, teasing her potential.
As Magbegor competes for her second championship, she becomes a defensive X-factor and the next great Australian in the Pacific coast’s proudest basketball community.
EZI EZI EZI OI OI OI 🔥#TakeCover pic.twitter.com/bOP47m3lQ2
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 14, 2022
