Jonquel Jones Bio
Jonquel Orthea Jones is a Bahamian professional basketball player for the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Standing at 6’6″, she has made a significant impact in women’s basketball since being drafted sixth overall in the 2016 WNBA draft. Throughout her career, she has achieved numerous honors, including the WNBA MVP in 2021 and leading the Liberty to a championship in 2024. In addition to her success in the WNBA, Jones has also excelled internationally, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina since acquiring citizenship in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Jonquel Jones was born on January 5, 1994, in Freeport, The Bahamas. She attended Tabernacle Baptist Academy before moving to Maryland at the age of 14, where she enrolled at Riverdale Baptist School. During her time in high school, she was under the legal guardianship of Diane Richardson, the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Temple University. Jones earned the nickname “Big Slim” during her high school years, reflecting her height and stature on the court.
Path to Basketball
Jones played college basketball at Clemson University for one year before transferring to George Washington University, where she continued to develop her skills. Her collegiate career laid the foundation for her professional journey, showcasing her talent and potential. After a successful college career, she was drafted into the WNBA in 2016, marking the beginning of her professional basketball journey.
Jonquel Jones Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Jonquel Jones began her professional career with the Connecticut Sun after being drafted sixth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks and subsequently traded. In her rookie season, she played as a backup center, averaging 6.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. By her second season, she became a starting center, leading the Sun to their first win of the season with a remarkable 23-point, 21-rebound performance. This breakout season earned her a spot in the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game and the WNBA Most Improved Player Award.
Breakthrough (2019–2021)
In 2019, Jones solidified her place as a star player in the league, leading the WNBA in rebounds and earning her second All-Star selection. The Connecticut Sun reached the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2005, although they ultimately fell to the Washington Mystics. After sitting out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jones returned in 2021, leading the Sun to the best record in the league and winning the WNBA MVP award. Her performance included career-high averages in points, rebounds, and assists, making her the first player in WNBA history to win MVP, Sixth Woman of the Year, and Most Improved Player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jones’s signature achievements include winning the WNBA MVP in 2021 and leading the New York Liberty to a championship in 2024. Her accolades also feature multiple All-Star selections and All-WNBA Team honors, establishing her as one of the premier players in women’s basketball.
Jonquel Jones Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Jonquel Jones has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performance in the WNBA, including multiple All-Star selections and recognition for her contributions to her teams.
Jonquel Jones Awards Won
Jonquel Jones has won several prestigious awards during her career, including the WNBA MVP in 2021 and the WNBA Finals MVP in 2024, among others.
Jonquel Jones Family
Information about Jonquel Jones’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
In 2019, Jonquel Jones adopted a goldendoodle puppy, reflecting her love for animals and adding a personal touch to her life outside of basketball.
