Eziyoda Magbegor


Eziyoda "Ezi" Magbegor is an Australian professional basketball player for the Melbourne Boomers of the Women's National Basketball League and the Seattle Storm of the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Career

WNBL

After beginning her career in the South East Australian Basketball League 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.
In March 2018, it was announced that Magbegor had signed a three-year deal with the Melbourne Boomers. 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 at the Women’s National Basketball League Awards, scoring 38 votes from a possible tally of 42 votes.

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.

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. 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.

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. Magbegor is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University.