Today, the Connecticut Sun announced that Jonquel Jones was cored and signed a multi-year contract.
“We are ecstatic about JJ’s decision to return and continue her career in Connecticut,” said Miller. “She is one of the most versatile and talented players in the world. She has a burning desire to improve, and we look forward to building upon the momentum of her MVP season. JJ is an unselfish superstar and is driven to help bring a Championship to Connecticut. This is a great day for the Sun.”
Jones, who was selected sixth overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft, has been a versatile driving force behind the Connecticut Sun’s success for five of the last six seasons. After opting out of the 2020 Bubble season, Jones came back with a vengeance, starting in all 27 regular season games she played in; tallying 18 double-doubles; and averaging a career-high 19.4 points per game, 11.2 rebounds per game, a career-best 2.8 assists per game, a career-tying 1.3 steals per game, and 1.3 blocks per game in a career-high 31.7 minutes per game.
”I am so happy to be back in Connecticut”, said Jones. “This organization has believed in me since day one and I definitely feel like we have unfinished business. 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 chip back to Mohegan Sun.”
Jones’ 2021 season play earned her a laundry list of accolades. She was a four-time Eastern Conference Player of the Week and a three-time WNBA player of the month (May, August and September). Jones was also awarded Peak Performer in rebounding, concluding the season with a league-leading 11.2 rebounds per game and a career-high 8.7 defensive rebounds per game.
“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 organization, and she’s an incredible teammate and person. JJ’s passion is contagious, along with her competitiveness and work ethic. I have no doubt she will lead us to a championship.” – Jasmine Thomas, Team Captain
The Bahamian native’s success in the season earned her a selection to the 2021 WNBA All-Star roster, and her consistent effort and output throughout the season ultimately landed her the honor of 2021 AP WNBA Most Valuable Player and 2021 Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player. The 2021 Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player award, which came in conjunction with a unanimous selection to the All-WNBA First Team and a spot on the WNBA All-Defensive First Team, added to her previous awards including the 2017 WNBA Most Improved Player and 2018 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, making her the first player in WNBA history to win all three major awards.
“I was very excited to hear the news that JJ signed to stay in Connecticut. 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.” – Brionna Jones, 2021 WNBA Most Improved Player
The 6-6 forward’s impact on the Connecticut Sun franchise cannot be understated. In all-time Connecticut Sun history, Jones is second in blocks (232); second in double-doubles (57), third in blocks per game (1.42), second in rebounds per game (8.282), defensive rebounds per game (5.613) and tied for second in offensive rebounds per game (2.67); fourth in offensive rebounds (435) and points per game (13.344) and fifth in defensive rebounds (915) and total rebounds (1,350).
The Connecticut Sun will celebrate its 20th Anniversary as a franchise this year. For addition information or to purchase tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com.
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