If it weren’t for grandma, none of them would be there!
Michaela Onyenwere’s grandmother went viral while celebrating her selection as one of the top picks in the WNBA draft, Essence reports.
Onyenwere is an All-American collegiate player with the UCLA Bruins. In the 2021 WNBA draft, Oyenwere was selected as the No. 6 pick by the New York Liberty. The 21-year-old Colorado native will be heading to NYC, playing alongside Sabrina Ionescu, the 2020 No.1 draft pick of the Oregon Ducks and one of the league’s most promising stars.
“I’m just glad we’re on the same side now,” Oyenwere said of teaming up with Ionescu. “I’m really excited to get started in New York.”
In a post-election interview with ESPN, surrounded by a house full of family and friends, Oyenwere got to share her excitement with the world. She also showed off her mother, asking her mom to stand up and show the camera her celebratory outfit, an ornate jacket covered in stones. Shortly after mom got her shine, Oyenwere’s grandmother decided to take a moment for herself, jumping up dressed in full Nigerian garb to shout, “I’m grandma,” followed by a full-out praise dance as her granddaughter proudly looked on.
Michaela Onyenwere's grandma stole the show 💃🥰 pic.twitter.com/Jh4GAvgsKc
— ESPN (@espn) April 15, 2021
The moment instantly went viral, with even the ESPN reporter noting that “Grandma’s got it.” It has become a highlight of draft night, and social media hasn’t been able to get enough.
If your grandma don’t do a full-on praise dance in COMPLETE trad + gele for your big moment.... end the zoom! Lol https://t.co/rmvaVyxj1G
— Yvonne Orji (@YvonneOrji) April 16, 2021
Because we could use some inter-generational Black girl joy right about now. #GoGrandma! https://t.co/ZkrtZPWGnJ
— Dr. Tarika Barrett (@DrTarikaBarrett) April 17, 2021
Bless Grandma's soul. What a beautiful Individual. https://t.co/RmZNTW3441
— Little Pope (@LittlePope) April 18, 2021
She was connecting with the ancestors!! That is so beautiful!! Congratulations!!!
— Lady Kane (@LadyKane07) April 17, 2021
Congratulations Michaela! Give grandma a big hug and kiss for us! Beautiful to see your grandmother celebrating your achievement. Much success to you and your beautiful family. #WNBADraft
— Princess and Pearls (@soniachess) April 18, 2021
Grandma was ready!
— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) April 15, 2021
We need more Michaela Onyenwere family on tv please 🙌🙌🙌
Great moment in the #WNBADraft #WNBA @monyenwere_ | @sportsiren
Michaela Onyenwere's grandmother brought the fit AND the energy!! 😂@monyenwere_ #WNBADraft pic.twitter.com/vRVp5RHkeD
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) April 15, 2021
Respectfully, if her family doesn’t mind, she now has a few hundred more grandchildren. 😃 We’re claiming her! 💃🏾
— Alexis Elise (@AlexisElise__) April 16, 2021
Oyenwere took to Twitter to comment about the excitement, saying, “Hahaha, that’s my grandma for ya! Love her! I should have got up and did a little jig with her!”
We love to see it! Congratulations, Michaela and congratulations, grandma!
Photo Courtesy of ESPN