2022 WNBA All-Defense selection returns to Seattle for fourth season
SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm today announced WNBA Champion and 2022 WNBA All-Defense second-team pick Ezi Magbegor has re-signed with the team. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Ezi has played a critical role in the Storm’s success over the past few seasons and we are thrilled to have her as we build for the future,” said Talisa Rhea, Storm General Manager. “She exemplifies Storm culture and consistently uplifts her teammates and our organization on and off the court.”
Magbegor had a breakout season in 2022, starting 23 games while averaging career-highs of 9.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. Her defensive number were impressive, finishing second in the league in blocks per game and in total blocks (58). She recorded a career-high seven blocks in a game vs Phoenix on May 14, becoming one of just 15 WNBA players to block seven or more shots in a game. In addition, Magbegor scored in double-figures in 16 games including scoring 20+ points twice and posted a pair of double-doubles.
“I am excited to continue my WNBA journey with the Seattle Storm,” said Magbegor. “I would like to thank Talisa, Noey, and the ownership group for their belief in me. I can’t wait get back to Seattle, get back to work with my teammates and get back to playing in front of our fans at Climate Pledge Arena.”
Magbegor, who turns 24 in August, has appeared in 85 games with the Storm over three seasons, helping the team to the 2020 WNBA Championship. She scored her 500th career point on June 23, 2022 vs Washington, becoming the fifth-youngest player in Storm history to score 500+ points. She is currently playing with Sopron in Hungary where she is averaging 11.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and a league-best 2.1 blocks per game in 12 Euroleague games and 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks through 13 league games in the Hungary-A Division.
“Ezi is such a dynamic player and has just scratched the surface of her full potential in this league,” said Storm Head Coach Noelle Quinn. “She has shown the ability to be an elite defender and scorer, she diligently works on every facet of her game and is never satisfied. She is a selfless teammate and an amazing human being. We are excited her journey continues with us.”
Magbegor, a three-time WNBL Youth Player of the Year, made her international debut in 2015 for Australia at the FIBA U19 World Championships and first represented the Opals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. This past October, she helped Australia earn a bronze medal at the 2022 FIBA World Cup, averaging 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 blocks in eight games
Single game tickets along with Storm Mini Plans, and Group Experiences are available for the 2023 season. For more information, visit http://stormbasketball.com, or call 206-217-WNBA (9622).
—— StormBasketball.com ——