During training camp on Thursday, head coach Latricia Trammell of the Dallas Wings informed media that the team anticipates star forward Satou Sabally to return from offseason shoulder surgery following the Olympic break. In February, Sabally suffered an injury during a FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament while representing Germany. He underwent surgery shortly afterward.
Trammell’s remarks are consistent with Wings CEO Greg Bibb’s remarks at the end of April. He mentioned that she will travel to Paris to represent Germany, which, because of Sabally’s efforts, qualified for the Olympics for the first time ever this year.
Bibb said,
“She’s on schedule with her rehab,” “We expect Satou to come back around the Olympic break, be ready to compete for Germany in the Olympics, and then see her for sure in a Dallas Wings jersey over the final 15 games of the regular-season post-Olympic break.”
Injuries have derailed Satou Sabally’s career
Injuries have unfortunately been a major problem for Sabally ever since the Wings selected her with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. She played just 44 games in her first three seasons combined due to an array of issues: back, concussion, Achilles, knee and ankle.
Though her skill has never been in doubt, she stayed on the court last summer, which played a big role in her breakthrough season. With just two games missed throughout the regular season, she posted career-high totals in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game, including a 36.1% 3-point shooting percentage. She was therefore selected as the Most Improved Player, made her second appearance on the All-Star team, was named to the All-WNBA First Team, and placed fifth in the MVP voting.
The Wings had their greatest season since leaving Detroit for several moves ago, with Sabally leading the way. It was their first winning twenty or more games since 2008, and it was their first postseason series victory since 2009.