In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, where talent and perseverance are the keys to success, Marina Mabrey stands out as a beacon of both.
As a guard for the Chicago Sky, Mabrey has been making waves with her exceptional skills, determination, and relentless drive. This season, she is elevating her game to new heights and making a strong bid to become an All-Star for the first time.
In this exclusive interview, Mabrey opens up about her evolution as a player, her challenges this season, and her aspirations for the future. From her early days on the court to her current journey in the WNBA, Mabrey’s story is one of growth, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. Join us as we delve into the mind of this rising star and discover what fuels her passion for the game.
THE SOURCE: How has this season been so far for you?
Marina Mabrey: It’s been great, honestly. It’s a great challenge for me to step into this kind of leadership role and show the scoring, assisting, and defense I knew I could. It was just waiting on the situation for me to explode and figure out what my ceiling was. I’ve played lesser roles in the league as I got better and as I got more time. Now, being in this role, it’s very challenging. But I like that I wanted to be uncomfortable again.
This is just your second season with the Sky. Last year was a bit transitionary, as the Sky was coming from the championship team and in the middle road regarding direction. Now, there are young stars, and you step into that leadership. How has that transition been from last season to this season?
Last season, Kahlean [Copper] was the leader, and I was new to the team. I was getting used to the coaches, and then all of a sudden, we had a coaching change, and it was on to something new. You adapt and I watched Kah, I watched Courtney [Williams], and took things from their leadership styles and saw them as things that I should do. I added my flare to it. So now I know my own personal and who responds to what. I understand what the team needs from me each day. Some days I have to go score 20 something points. On other days, they need ten assists. It’s days the team needs both. But the important part is me pointing it out and executing it.
You spent time in Los Angeles and Dallas; what was the biggest transition to Chicago fans and sports culture?
They go hard for their teams here in Chicago. I was happy about that because the fans always have your back. It’s good to have that when you play with fire. I’m going after it, defending my teammates, everything. And sometimes you don’t have that support from your fans. The constant support here, like if I’m having a tough time shooting or a couple of bad games, means a lot. The fans are here, they are showing up. Chicago brings a family environment, the franchise, leaders, the staff, everyone is here for you. They just want you to succeed, and I love that about this place.
I saw a tweet online about the most underrated players in the W. You were mentioned and that’s not saying you are a slouch, you’re elite. But many more people could know how good Marina Mabrey is as a player. How do you feel about your status as a player?
I feel two ways. I was the 19th pick, so I understood that my path to be great would take a while. It was going to be a different journey for me than anyone else. I wasn’t sure what kind of role I would be in at first. I almost got cut in L.A. My second year in Dallas I almost got cut. I knew I was fighting for playing time. I lived by the quote, “Everything always comes back around to you.” Many people are feeling so busy they get jipped that they miss their chance when it comes back around. I told myself that I won’t miss that chance in my second year.
I worked not to get tired, to get stronger, to develop my post-game, develop my point guard skills, and everything inside the three-point line. I pride myself on that every year, and I want to get better somehow. I never want to come back as the same player, and that gets overlooked sometimes. People know I’m one of the best three-point shooters, but I’m one of the best passers in the league. I’m one of the best post-up guards in the league. I have a good mid-range. I can guard, that something really big for me this year. Being able to defend.
On the other end, players respect me. They respect the hell out of me, and I appreciate them for that. They are the ones who have to compete against me. I think that I’m underrated, but that’s by everyone else. In my mind, I’m not, and at the end of the day, it’s all about how I see myself.
It’s definitely not that people don’t want to believe, but an impact of paying attention to what you bring on all ends of the court. And now it’s being noticed.
I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful that people are starting to see that, and I knew this would be a long journey. I’m truly grateful people see I put my head down and worked my way into being a star. It’s all about being patient and continuing to believe in myself.
You are putting up career numbers, you’re the best player on the team, and ESPN has highlighted you as a potential all-star. What would that mean for you?
I’ve been watching the WNBA All-Star game for as long as I can remember. I wanted to be like them. Going out there and having a chance to do that would be…. wow. My dad could come to see me. That would be a dream come true because I believed in myself no matter what happened.
We are still early in the season. We have a long way to go, and I’m sure playoffs are a goal. What do you think the team needs to transition into a playoff team as we go further into the season?
We need growth. Just the little things, like good spacing and understanding our matchups. Also, understanding the Chicago Sky’s identity and conforming to it in energy and physicality. It takes a team to create an identity, so we keep working towards that.
What do you think that finished identity is?
It’s an aggressive and physically defensive team. We guard the three and rebound—well, sometimes we rebound well. We can improve in the first eight seconds of transition defense. On the offensive, we need to convert our offensive rebounds, so we need to be patient and find the right shot to get up, get fouled, or push back out for three. We will get better at that in time. But transition offensive and half-court defense—we have been great.
Off the court, who is Marina Mabrey? What do you like outside of basketball?
I’m such an outdoorsy person. I like to go on walks. So lakes, parks, and nice nature spots. It’s very calming for me. I want to do saunas and Pilates sessions with a little coffee spot. I also spend a lot of time with my family. My sisters live around here, and we are close. We are always spending time together. They are good at knowing exactly what I need. I also have a dog that everyone knows [laughs]. Her name is Charlie, and everyone loves her. She’s the sweetest ever. I go on walks with her, too.
You mention your family knowing you and your goals. Of course, your list has things like the All-Star Game, making the playoffs, and other pieces on players’ minds. But what is something we couldn’t guess you would like to prove you are making the next step as a player by the end of the season?
The number one thing is consistency and activity. That’s what I have been talking to myself about. I’ve noticed that I’m best with our team when I rebound the ball and push it. I’m great in transition and can see people run the floor. I like making the right play. I can score, but sometimes it is good to get the rebound and give it to our point guard, or to set up something and find our teammates. It’s all about how I can make the team win.
