Jerrah Sabally and Heike Krone: The Parents of Satou Sabally
Satou Sabally, the renowned German-American professional basketball player, currently represents the Dallas Wings in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Super League. Prior to her professional career, she played college basketball for the Oregon Ducks.
Early Life and Background
Sabally was born in New York City to a Gambian father, Jerrah Sabally, and a German mother, Heike Krone. At the age of two, her family relocated to Gambia. When she was seven, they moved again, settling in Berlin, Germany, where she completed her schooling at Rotteck Gymnasium.
Cultural Traditions and Naming
Deeply rooted in Gambian culture, Sabally received her aunt’s name, Aishatu, despite not being the eldest daughter, as is customary in Gambian tradition. The name “Aishatu” holds special religious significance as it is derived from Aisha, one of the wives of Islamic prophet Muhammad. Sabally’s father played a significant role in her upbringing as a Muslim and also imparted extensive knowledge of Islam to her and her siblings.
Family Bonds and Observances
Sabally’s family remains closely knit, evident in both their celebrations of victory and their support during her games. Her mother, Heike Krone, is often present at games and family gatherings, reinforcing the strong familial bond. The Sabally family also observes and cherishes the holy month of Ramadan together each year, as stated on Satou’s Instagram profile, emphasizing their loyalty to God and their belief in His intentions.
Sibling Achievements and Interests
Satou’s younger sister, Nyara Sabally, shares her passion for basketball and is also a professional player, representing the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Despite Nyara’s absence due to injury during certain seasons, Satou continued to excel in her own games. Additionally, Nyara’s basketball career has opened up opportunities for her, as she was hired as an assistant coach by Sacramento State, where she made a significant impact during her first season.
Delving into the Sabally Siblings
Among the Sabally siblings, Khadjia Sabally appears to be the eldest. She resides in Bakau, Berlin, and has chosen a different career path, running her own design company called Kaddy Sabally. Her company specializes in designing purses, bags, and necklaces. Khadjia is a mother to a girl and is currently expecting her second child. On TikTok, she shares her expertise through her page @kadysadiy, featuring do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorials for hair, home decor, and skincare.
Lamin Sabally, the brother of Satou and Nyara, has shown promise as a shooting guard. He recently participated in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament for U18 ALBA Berlin. Currently a sophomore in college, Lamin’s basketball career is flourishing, and it is foreseeable that he may soon compete in both national and international games.
The close bond between the Sabally siblings is evident, as they frequently come together to celebrate various occasions, showcasing their unwavering support and love for one another.
Satou Sabally’s Remarkable Career
College Career:
2017-18: Sabally made an impressive debut for the Oregon Ducks, showcasing her skills in every game and averaging 10.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Her outstanding performance earned her recognition as she was named to the Pac-12 all-Freshman team and crowned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.
2018-19: Building on her success, Sabally started in all 38 games of the season, solidifying her position as one of the most efficient players in the NCAA. Her remarkable contributions led to several accolades, including being selected for the Pac-12 team and receiving an honorable mention All-American title from the WBCA. Additionally, she earned a spot on the watchlist for prestigious awards such as the Naismith Trophy and Wade Trophy.
Professional Career:
WNBA: Sabally continued to excel in her professional career, making an immediate impact in the WNBA. In her rookie season, she displayed her exceptional skills and was recognized for her performance by being named to the 2020 AP All-Rookie team. Demonstrating her consistent growth, Sabally was selected once again, this time for the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game. Her contributions to the Dallas Wings have made her a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Overseas: Seeking further opportunities to showcase her talent, Sabally signed with Fenerbahçe for the 2020-21 season. Her decision proved to be fruitful as she played a pivotal role in Fenerbahçe’s undefeated championship run in the Turkish Super League. Additionally, the team achieved a commendable third-place finish in the EuroLeague. Recognizing her significant contributions, Sabally extended her contract with Fenerbahçe for another year, demonstrating her commitment to the team and their shared goals.
Sabally’s career trajectory thus far is a testament to her skill, determination, and impact on both the national and international basketball stage. With her continued growth and dedication to the sport, she is poised to achieve even greater success in the future.
