Marina Mabrey: A Game-Changing Move in 2024
Marina Mabrey’s basketball journey took an unexpected turn in 2024, showcasing her resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving WNBA landscape. The talented guard continued to make waves with her impressive performance, averaging 14.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Mabrey’s consistent offensive output and versatility on the court have solidified her position as a valuable asset in the league.
Chicago Sky
Mabrey’s time with the Chicago Sky in 2024 was marked by both individual success and team challenges. As the Sky’s leading scorer, she shouldered a significant offensive burden, taking 46% of the team’s 3-point attempts. Her leadership and scoring prowess were crucial for a Sky team navigating a transitional period. Despite her efforts, the Sky found themselves in eighth place, holding onto the final playoff spot with a tenuous three-game lead over the Atlanta Dream.
However, Mabrey’s role in Chicago was not without its complexities. The team’s new leadership, including coach Teresa Weatherspoon and general manager Jeff Pagliocca, began to recalibrate the Sky’s strategy around rookie talents Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. This shift in focus, combined with Mabrey’s shooting slump and hefty contract, set the stage for a significant change
Trade to Connecticut Sun
In a surprising mid-season move, the Chicago Sky traded Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun on July 17, 2024. This rare in-season trade sent shockwaves through the WNBA, dramatically altering the landscape for both teams involved.
The Sun, sitting pretty with an 18-6 record and second place in the Eastern Conference, saw Mabrey as the missing piece in their championship puzzle. Connecticut’s acquisition of Mabrey addressed their need for improved guard play and perimeter shooting, areas where they had struggled despite their overall success.
For Mabrey, this trade represents an exciting opportunity to join a legitimate title contender. Her ability to create her own shot and stretch the floor with her three-point shooting (ranking seventh in the league for 3-pointers made per game) is expected to add a new dimension to the Sun’s offense.
The trade package was substantial, reflecting Mabrey’s value. The Sun sent Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson, a 2025 first-round pick, and the right to swap first-round picks in 2026 to Chicago in exchange for Mabrey and a 2025 second-round pick.
As Mabrey prepares to don the Sun jersey, expectations are high. Her playoff experience and scoring ability are seen as crucial factors that could propel Connecticut to their first WNBA championship. With the Olympic break providing time for integration, all eyes will be on Mabrey to see how quickly she can adapt and elevate the Sun’s already formidable lineup.
This trade marks a new chapter in Marina Mabrey’s career, offering her a prime opportunity to showcase her skills on a championship-caliber team. As the 2024 WNBA season unfolds, Mabrey’s impact on the Connecticut Sun will undoubtedly be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow.
Who Is Marina “My Kitchen” Mabrey?
Take a look at one of the most dominant and driven women’s basketball players, from Monmouth County, NJ!
The Climb To The Top
Competition Starts At Home
Local Manasquan High School Grad Marina Mabrey, has taken women’s basketball to the next level. While at MHS, she helped her teams with an overall 115-12 record. She helped capture four Shore conference titles, two NJSIAA state championships, and two NJ Tournament of Champions crowns. Her competitive drive and achievements got her selected to the 2015 McDonald’s High School All-American team. This was just one of many honorable awards.
Marina is 1 of 5 siblings, and they all have or had careers in the game of basketball. Michaela and Dara are also products of NJ basketball having won several championships between them both. Michaela is currently coaching at Notre Dame. Dara, who transferred to Notre Dame in 2020, will be finishing her career at the Big East powerhouse. The youngest, is her brother Ryan, who transferred from CBA (Christian Brothers Academy) in Lincroft, NJ. Ryan currently plays for La Lumiere School in Indiana. The eldest is the brother Roy, you can check his highlights on our youtube channel.
Fast forward to college, where she played at Notre Dame side-by-side with her older sister, Michaela. In her junior and senior year, she averaged 14.4 and 12.8 points. She also helped lead her team to back-to-back NCAA championship games both years. Following her senior season in 2019, she was selected as the 19th overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the LA Sparks.
Humility
She’s A Fighter On And Off The Court
In 2019, Marina designed and sold “This Is My Kitchen” shirts and apparel in reference to sexism and sports. Her take on the issue, “To all the male women’s basketball haters, y’all can get in the kitchen and make us a sandwich now, thanks.” She decided to create this apparel in response to sexist online comments and reactions surrounding the rise of women’s basketball. She uses her platform to continue the trend of speaking out on issues within the WNBA and for her fellow players.
Marina continues to be a trailblazer for young female athletes and is truly an example that hard work and achievement pays off.
The Future Is Bright
Who is Marina Mabrey: Small Town, Big Heart
She may have grown up in a small beach town, but she’s doing big things. Marina is still a player for the Dallas Wings of the WNBA. In the beginning of her 2020-21 season, she had a career high of 36 minutes played, six threes, and scored double digits in 12 of 13 games. Her future in the WNBA is prominent and her drive will continue to make her unstoppable. Have a look at some of her highlights here and wish this hometown athlete the best of luck!
2022 Update
Marina Mabrey: She’s Still Cooking
Chef Mabrey with the shot
This comes as no surprise to us, and it shouldn’t to you either. The name Mabrey on the court is synonymous with “baller”. For the rest of her 2020–21 season, Mabrey moved to Israel to play for Brot Hertzeliya. In 22 games played she averaged 23.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Mabrey signed with the Perth Lynx in Australia for the 2021–22 WNBL season. Yup, she’s still cooking and doing it well.
You can keep up with her on her Twitter page, as she supports her siblings Dara and Ryan Mabrey. Marina is also still supporting all women sports, and here’s where you can support her fight. Click the link and show some love to our Hometown Athlete.
2023 Update
Marina Mabrey: WNBA Sharpshooter
Chicago Sky
