The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahamian native Jonquel Jones didn’t waste any time on her future in the Women’s National Basketball Association after she signed the core qualifying offer to remain with the Connecticut Sun yesterday as players began their free agent signing process.

The 28-year-old 2021 WNBA most valuable player was extended the offer on January 10, affording the Sun the exclusive negotiating rights. According to Her Hoops Stats, Jones agreed to a two-year deal that will pay her $205,000 for the 2022 season and an increase of $211,150 in 2023.

Selected in 2016 with the sixth overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, Jones was traded to Connecticut that same night for Chelsea Gray and two draft picks. That decision was a part of the reason why Jones decided to remain a Sun.

“This organisation has believed in me since day one, and I definitely feel like we have unfinished business,” said Jones, the 6-foot, 6-inch forward/ centre out of Clemson and George Washington universities.

“The fans want it; the front office wants it and the players want it. So now we just have to go out and get it done and bring a [championship] back to Mohegan Sun.”

After sitting out the 2020 bubble season in Orlando because of concerns ranging from the introduction of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jones returned to action last year and helped the Sun to the league’s best record at 26-6 and were the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

However, they couldn’t get over the final hump, getting upset in the semi-finals by eventual champion Chicago.

Despite their early exit, Jones completed the season with 18 double-doubles, averaging 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in winning the MVP honour.

Curt Miller, who was named the coach of the year, said they’re delighted to have Jones back as the centrepiece of their franchise.

“She is one of the most versatile and talented players in the world,” said Miller, who also serves as Connecticut’s general manager. “She has a burning desire to improve, and we look forward to building upon the momentum of her MVP season.”

“We are ecstatic about JJ’s decision to return and continue her career in Connecticut. JJ is an unselfish superstar and is driven to help bring a championship to Connecticut. This is a great day for the Sun.”

Jones’ career in Connecticut has been an impressive one. She was first named the MVP in 2017 and was awarded the Sixth Player of the Year Award in 2018 before she made the All- Defensive First Team and Second Team All-WNBA in 2019.

While she has posted a career-high 19.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, Jones was just one of only two players in the league to average a double-double, and finished fourth and first, respectively, in those categories.

She also averaged 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks to earn another All-Defensive First Team.

The Sun are hoping that along with the return of guard Alyssa Thomas, who missed most of last season with a torn Achilles tendon, Connecticut will be another contender for the championship title that has slipped out of their grasp with Jones in the middle.

Jones, who holds dual citizenship for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which enables her to play for their national team, is currently playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Premier League during the WNBA’s offseason.

Sun’s team captain Jasmine Thomas welcomed Jones back.

“Jonquel is the best player in the world, so of course I’m happy she’s back with the Sun. She’s the core of our organisation, and she’s an incredible teammate and person,” Thomas said.

“JJ’s passion is contagious, along with her competitiveness and work ethic. I have no doubt she will lead us to a championship.”

2021 WNBA Most Improved Player Brionna Jones was also delighted that Jones will remain with their team.

“I was very excited to hear the news that JJ signed to stay in Connecticut,” she aid.

“We had an incredible year last season. And I know we’re all hungry to have a better finish this season. Having JJ return is going to play a major role in our success.”

The Sun, who will celebrate their 20th season in the league, will begin their 2022 campaign on the road on May 7 when they play in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, against the New York Liberty.

They will then play their first game at home in the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut when they host the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, May 14.