Today, the Ionescu siblings remain incredibly close. Andrei works in tech and is a constant source of business and life advice. Eddy, after his collegiate career, has transitioned into coaching and training, often working out with Sabrina in the off-season to keep her sharp. They are a trio that transformed tragedy into purpose. Sabrina Ionescu’s highlight reel tells you about her talent. But her siblings tell you about her character. The relentless competitiveness came from sparring with Eddy. The leadership and perspective came from watching Andrei. And the unbreakable family bond—the ability to carry grief and success in the same hands—came from navigating the hardest moments together.
Eddy has remained a quiet but steadfast presence in Sabrina’s career, often seen in the stands at her biggest games, offering a familiar face and the only kind of honest feedback she’s trusted since childhood. The oldest of the three, Andrei Ionescu, carved a different athletic path. A talented soccer player, Andrei played collegiately at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While he didn’t share a court with his siblings, he set the tone for what achievement looked like in the Ionescu household. sabrina ionescu siblings
Dan and Liliana Ionescu, Romanian immigrants who fled communism, instilled a work ethic that prioritized excellence in everything. Andrei was the first to navigate the pressures of collegiate athletics, showing both Sabrina and Eddy the level of commitment required. Today, the Ionescu siblings remain incredibly close
When you think of Sabrina Ionescu, you think of triple-doubles, clutch shots, and a relentless competitive fire. But long before she became the NCAA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles or a WNBA champion, she was simply the youngest of three siblings growing up in Walnut Creek, California. To understand Sabrina’s drive, you have to understand the unique dynamic she shares with her older brother, Andrei, and her twin brother, Eddy. The Twin Flame: Eddy Ionescu Born just minutes apart on December 6, 1997, Eddy Ionescu is Sabrina’s twin—and arguably her most consistent on-court foil. While Sabrina chose the Liberty’s blue and orange, Eddy made his name in the same sport, playing collegiate basketball at Cal Poly Pomona and later at UC Irvine. They are a trio that transformed tragedy into purpose
More than that, Andrei was the protector and the hype man. As the eldest, he drove his siblings to practices, celebrated their wins, and provided perspective after losses. When Sabrina broke records at Oregon, Andrei was often the first to post a proud, emotional tribute on social media. His role was less about competition and more about anchoring the family unit—a role that became profoundly important after the family’s devastating loss. To truly appreciate the Ionescu siblings, one must acknowledge the tragedy that binds them tighter than any sport. In December 2019, just as Sabrina was cementing her legacy at Oregon, the family’s beloved Romanian-born mentor and patriarch, Dan Ionescu, passed away unexpectedly. A year later, their mother, Liliana, also died suddenly.
In the Ionescu household, there were never any individual stars. Just three kids, a basketball hoop over the garage, and a legacy of resilience that continues to shine through the youngest sibling every time she steps on the court.
Their relationship is the stuff of backyard legend. Growing up, their father, Dan, built them a half-court in the driveway, and the twins would play for hours, sometimes until the streetlights flickered on. "We never went easy on each other," Sabrina has recalled. "Eddy would block my shots, talk trash, and make me work for every basket."