The Chicago Sky have just a handful of returners off of the 2023 team, including shooting guard Marina Mabrey. A whole new team means having to find chemistry together yet again and Mabrey believes that this team is playing with a chip on their shoulder.

“We got a lot of underdogs here, people coming back from injuries, and we can use that to gel off each other,” Mabrey said. “We all have something to prove. They picked us last. You can kind of come together on one common ground and really compete. Also, just accepting each other for who we are. I think that’s something that we’ve done and that’ll help with the chemistry.”

While the chemistry will come with time together and more reps as a team, Mabrey’s solo game has her leading the team in points (19.3) and assists (5.5). That early success came with a focus on getting bigger and stronger in her Euroleague season over in Turkey.

“Trying to be in really good shape and get a lot stronger so that I can absorb contact better,” Mabrey said. “Whatever defensive schemes I see, I’m ready for. Just being able to compete on a nightly basis. You’re playing every other day and that wears on you bodywise.”

To hear more from Marina Mabrey, watch the full, exclusive interview above.