One of Australia's brightest basketball talents is preparing to take on the world stage as the Opals build towards the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
Ezi Magbegor's rise began in the South East Australian Basketball League through Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence development program, before she represented Australia at youth level with the Gems.
Looking back on her time at the CoE, Magbegor points to the people as much as the basketball.
"One of my core memories is growing as a person and as a player, while also getting to know so many people. I met some of my best friends there, and I think when you're in an environment where people share the same mindset and are all pushing themselves to get better, it's easier to thrive," she said.
That environment left her with a lesson she still carries today.
"One of the things that has really stuck with me is the importance of challenging yourself to get better every day. Look at your progress, acknowledge the growth and recognise that you should be proud of how far you've come," Magbegor said.
Magbegor first wore the green and gold at just 15, representing Australia at the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Russia, where the young squad finished third to claim bronze. Her junior success continued in 2016, when she helped Australia win the FIBA Under-17 Women's World Championship, averaging 12.5 points and eight rebounds on her way to being named tournament MVP.
Magbegor began her WNBL career with the Canberra Capitals in 2017. Despite strong interest from American college programs, she chose to remain in Australia, later signing a three-year deal with the Melbourne Boomers. She went on to win the 2020 Betty Watson Australian Youth Player of the Year award and was part of Melbourne's 2022 WNBL championship-winning team.
Her international performances soon established her as one of the Opals' rising stars. Magbegor made her senior international debut at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, contributing to Australia's gold-medal campaign. She competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics before helping the Opals reach the podium at Paris 2024, delivering 30 points in the bronze-medal game to secure Australia's first Olympic medal since London 2012.
Magbegor was selected by the Seattle Storm with pick 12 in the 2019 WNBA Draft. In her rookie season, she became the second-youngest WNBA champion in league history. Since then, she has developed into a starter and a star, earning four WNBA All-Defensive selections and becoming a WNBA All-Star in 2023.
Ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, Magbegor underlined her importance to the Opals by averaging 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists during the qualifying tournament in Turkey. Now, she is ready to make a major impact as Australia prepares to open its campaign against Puerto Rico on September 4.
"I'm looking forward to being back with the national team and representing Australia in front of my friends and family," she said.
For Magbegor, the jersey carries a meaning that goes beyond the court.
"Being an Opal means a lot. You don't get the chance to represent your country often, and I'm so grateful for the culture that we have created. It really is an honour to be a part of," she said.
She also hopes the team's example reaches further than basketball itself.
"I hope they [girls and boys] feel inspired to do whatever they want in the world. It doesn't have to be related to basketball, but I hope that the way we play encourages them to not be afraid to try. I also hope they see the joy that we play with," Magbegor said.
Head to the FIBA Women's World Cup event page for more.
