By: Betty Cantley
Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena) – Jonquel Jones’ legacy with the Connecticut Sun is defined by an era of absolute Frontline dominance and unprecedented versatility.
She was the sixth overall pick at the 2016 draft by the Los Angeles Sparks and was traded to the Connecticut Sun. “JJ” spent six highly decorated seasons (2016-2022, opting out of 2020) anchoring the Sun and completely shifting how people view the modern WNBA center (Per WNBA.com/Suns).
Jonquel wasn’t just a traditional paint protector she was a true 6’6″ unicorn who could dominate and reject shots at the rim, and step out to knock down transition triples with guard-like fashion.
Jones definitive individual apex in Connecticut came during the 2020 season.
Jones carried the Sun to a franchise record, .815 winning percentage (26-6) and the league’s top overall seed while averaging
19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Her spectacular run earned her the WNBA Most Valuable Player award, making her the first player in league history to win Most Improved Player, Sixth Woman of the Year, and MVP over the course of her Career.
Jones Accomplishments are as follows;
○ WNBA MVP (2021).
○ 4x WNBA All-Star (2017, 2019, 2021,
2022).
○ 3x WNBA Rebounding leader (2017, 2019,
2021)
○ WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year (2018).
○ WNBA Most Improved Player (2017).
○ 3X All-WNBA Selection (First team in
2021).
○ Second Team (2017, 2019, 2022).
○ 3x WNBA All-Defensive Selection
Jones has a Hall of Fame-caliber resume.
Under head coach Curt Miller, Jones was the centerpiece of a perennial powerhouse, alongside stars like Alyssa Thomas and Courtney Williams. She led the Sun to the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022
While the Sun fell short of a Championship Banner during her tenure losing grueling series to Washington and Las Vegas – her exit via trade to the New York Liberty in early 2023 marked the end of a golden era of basketball at Mohegan Sun Arena.
She remains revered by Connecticut fans as one of the most uniquely skilled and impactful athletes to ever wear the jersey.