From On-Court Rivals to Best Friends: Saniya Rivers Shares Unexpected Bond with Marina Mabrey

In a recent interview, professional basketball player Saniya Rivers opened up about the surprising evolution of her relationship with teammate Marina Mabrey. Rivers candidly admitted that she initially 'did not like' Mabrey during their college days, citing Mabrey's intense on-court demeanor, including what she described as 'throwing fits and tantrums.' However, their dynamic shifted dramatically once they became teammates. Rivers recounted how a team dinner led to an unexpected connection when they discovered a shared interest in a new Netflix show, which they ended up binge-watching together. This shared experience marked the beginning of a deep friendship, with Rivers stating, 'Now we have been best friends, hanging out every day.' She expressed genuine surprise at how their bond formed, acknowledging, 'I don't know how it happened, but I promise I don't know how it happened. It just came out of nowhere because I did not like that girl. Respectfully.' The interview highlights a compelling story of how initial impressions can evolve into strong, lasting connections within professional sports.