Eziyoda Magbegor

Eziyoda "Ezi" Magbegor (born 13 August 1999) is an Australian professional basketball player for the Melbourne Boomers of the Women's National Basketball League.

Eziyoda Magbegor
No. 13 – Melbourne Boomers
PositionForward
LeagueWNBL
Personal information
Born (1999-08-13) 13 August 1999
Wellington, New Zealand
NationalityAustralian
Listed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight176 lb (80 kg)
Career information
High schoolLake Ginninderra College
(Canberra, ACT)
WNBA draft2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12th overall
Selected by the Seattle Storm
Playing career2017–present
Career history
2017–2018Canberra Capitals
2018–presentMelbourne Boomers
Career highlights and awards
  • WNBL Rookie of the Year (2018)
  • FIBA U17 MVP (2016)
Medals
Women's basketball
Representing  Australia
FIBA World Cup
2018 SpainTeam
FIBA Asia Cup
2019 BangaloreTeam
Commonwealth Games
2018 Gold CoastTeam

Career

WNBL

After beginning her career in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) with Basketball Australia's development team, the Centre of Excellence, Magbegor did not take long to gain attention from professional leagues. In July 2017, Magbegor was signed by the Canberra Capitals for the 2017–18 WNBL season.[1]

In March 2018, it was announced that Magbegor had signed a three-year deal with the Melbourne Boomers.[2] Magbegor will first suit up for the Boomers in the 2018–19 WNBL season, choosing to stay home in Australia working alongside the likes of Jenna O'Hea, Lauren Jackson and Guy Molloy despite several offers from US colleges.

In February 2020, Magbegor was named the Betty Watson Australian Youth Player of the Year (formerly the WNBL Rookie of the Year award) at the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Awards, scoring 38 votes from a possible tally of 42 votes.[3]

National Team

Youth Level

Magbegor made her international debut at the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Russia, with the U19 Gems as a 16 year old. She then represented the U17 Sapphires at the 2015 Oceania Championships. Dominating the tournament, averaging 18 points per game and helping Australia take home Gold. Magbegor then lead the Sapphires to their inaugural World Championship title in Spain. After snapping team USA's 28-game win streak at U17 level, Australia went on to take home Gold. Alongside two of her teammates, Magbegor was named to the All-Tournament Team. In addition to this, she received the Most Valuable Player award.[4]

Senior Level

In December 2017, Magbegor was named to her first Opals squad, earning her a place in the first camp as preparations for this years upcoming tournaments got underway.[5] After taking part in the team camp in February, Magbegor was then named to the final roster for the 2018 Commonwealth Games where she would make her Opals debut.[6]

Personal life

Born in Wellington, New Zealand to Nigerian parents, Magbegor moved to Australia with her family at age six. One of Australian basketball's most promising talents, she has already been said to be the next Lauren Jackson.[7][8] Magbegor is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University.[9]

References
  1. "UC CAPITALS NAME EZI MAGBEGOR WITH ONE-YEAR DEAL". wnbl.com.au. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
  2. "EZI MAGBEGOR JOINS DEAKIN MELBOURNE BOOMERS FOR 3 YEARS". wnbl.com.au.
  3. "Congratulations Ezi Magbegor on your WNBL Award!". Deakin Life. Deakin University. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  4. "Magbegor named MVP of 2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship, headlines All-Star Five". fiba.com.
  5. "OPALS ANNOUNCED FOR FIRST CAMP AHEAD OF COMMONWEALTH GAMES". basketball.net.au.
  6. "OPALS TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR 2018 GOLD COAST COMMONWEALTH GAMES". wnbl.com.au.
  7. Helmers, Caden (1 December 2017). Canberra Capitals Nat Hurst and Eziyoda Magbegor named in Australian Opals squad. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  8. Helmers, Caden (21 October 2017). Canberra Capitals young gun Eziyoda Magbegor forging her own legacy. The Canberra Times. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  9. "Deakin student and Boomers star Ezi headed for the WNBA". Deakin Life. Deakin University. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
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