Jonquel Jones is not a new name in the WNBA world. However, she has risen from her humble background to be one of the top players in the WNBA. Moreover, the athlete has also joined her national team to compete in numerous tournaments over the years.
The basketball pro is an excellent three-point shooter and ball-handler on the perimeter. Additionally, her skills have made her one of the best rebounders in the WNBA. Furthermore, the player has named many victories under her belt. For instance, she has received WNBA MVP, All-Star, Peak Performer, etc., honors.
So, let's know more about the emerging basketball star in this biography.
Jonquel Jones Is A Bahamian Native
The sportswoman was born Jonquel Orthea Jones on January 5, 1994, in Freeport, Bahamas. She comes from a large family with many siblings, including two brothers and four sisters.
Jones was passionate about basketball from a young age. She often participated in local competitions and played on any basketball courts available. However, there were very few opportunities for a young girl in the Bahamas. As such, she desperately wanted to move to America to pursue basketball.
Jonquel Jones' father, Preston Jones, and mother, Ettamae Jones, were aware of her desire to move to the U.S.A. However, they couldn't afford to pay for their daughter's expenses outside the Bahamas. So, they reached out to coach Diane Richardson.
Despite having a poor financial background, Jonquel Jones' parents did their best to find funding for her basketball career. Photo Source: Jonquel Jones' Instagram.
Richardson became the teen's legal guardian and sponsored her to attend Riverdale Baptist School. It marked the beginning of her playing career. Furthermore, she didn't squander her opportunity and led her school to win a National Christian High School Championship.
Afterward, Jones received a scholarship to attend Clemson University. She later transferred to George Washington University and played for all her college years. In addition, the college student majored in criminal justice and eventually graduated in 2016 with flying honors.
Beginning Of Jones' Playing Career
The sportswoman made her presence known in the basketball world during her academic years. She led her university team to win many collegiate championships. In addition, Jonquel was named Atlantic 10 Player and Defensive Player of the year in 2015. She also obtained Associated Press and WBCA All-America Honorable mention.
Los Angeles Sparks drafted the Bahamian native in the first round of the 2016 WNBA Draft. But later, the team exchanged her for two draft picks and Chelsea Gray with Connecticut Sun. As a result, she began playing as a backup center for the Sun.
Jonquel aced her second season as a starting center. She scored a team-high 22 points leading her team to gain victory against Washington Mystics. Moreover, the same year, basketball pro made her first All-Star Game appearance. She also won the WNBA Peak Performer and most improved player honors.
The player won the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award in 2018. She made it into WNBA Second Team in the following season. Sadly, she had to forgo the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jones' WNBA stats alongside their timelines according to the WNBA are listed below:
| Season | Team | G | GS | FG% | 3P% | FT% | MPG | PPG |
| 2017 | Con | 34 | 34 | 53.4 | 44.6 | 81.8 | 28.5 | 15.4 |
| 2018 | Con | 34 | 16 | 55.0 | 46.7 | 67.1 | 20.5 | 11.8 |
| 2019 | Con | 34 | 34 | 44.8 | 30.9 | 81.8 | 28.5 | 14.6 |
| 2021 | Con | 27 | 27 | 51.5 | 36.2 | 80.2 | 31.7 | 19.4 |
| Career | Con | 163 | 117 | 51.0 | 37.9 | 78.4 | 24.4 | 13.3 |
The basketball star has made a remarkable comeback in the 2021 season. Jonquel led the Sun to be the top team in the WNBA league. Moreover, the athlete has won the 2021 Kia MVP and WNBA Most Valuable Player awards.
Jonquel's National Team Career
Aside from WNBA, Jonquel has also competed for her national team in many championships. However, it isn't for her native country but instead for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, the WNBA player's decision of accepting citizenship status in Bosnia-Herzegovina undoubtedly became big news. But Bahamians have been quite understanding.
As a Bosnia-Herzegovina player, the athlete made her debut at the EuroBasket Women 2021 Qualification. She won the qualifying match and led the team to the quarter-finals.
Although the team lost the game, she was named to the FIBA EuroBasket Women All-Tournament Team.
Jonquel Jones Net Worth And Earnings
The basketball pro has shown her sports prowess in numerous championships over the years. As a result, along with fame, Jonquel Jones' net worth has also increased in recent years.
Jones has currently signed a 2-year contract worth $375,500 with the Connecticut Sun. Her income for the last season was $185,000. Furthermore, Jonquel's base salary for the 2021 season amounts to $190,500.
Aside from her WNBA career, the sportsperson also earns money from her overseas matches. Her earnings from playing for the Bosnia-Herzegovina team must also be considerable.
Jonquel Jones' net worth includes the salary she receives as a Bosnia-Herzegovina national team member. Photo Source: Jonquel Jones' Instagram.
Hence, Jonquel Jones' net worth must be an enormous figure thanks to her basketball career.
Who Is Jonquel Jones' Partner?
The athlete underwent many struggles and failures to reach her current status. However, her journey helped her improve on the court and grow personally. Moreover, it also built the confidence in Jones to come out to her family and public.
The Bahamian-Bosnian grew up in a conservative environment which carried a negative perception towards the LGBTQIA community. As such, she had difficulty accepting her sexual preference and hid it for a long time. But eventually, she was able to be free from those constraints and date whoever she liked.
The WNBA MVP previously dated a girl for some time in 2018. Jonquel Jones' then-girlfriend also often appeared on her social media posts.
Jonquel Jones had previously shared her cozy moments with her partner on social media. Photo Social: Jonquel Jones' Instagram.
However, at present, the sportswoman hasn't posted any pictures with her partner. So, it is unclear whether the pair is still in a relationship.
Jonquel Jones currently seems to be more focused on her sports career. However, she is constantly improving her skills and giving her best in every match. Hopefully, we will see her be listed among successful basketball players such as Stephen Curry and others in the future.
Trivia And Facts
- Jonquel has 28.4K Instagram followers.
- She has two Goldendoodles named Rylo and Kiba.
- She has also played for Korean, Chinese, and Russian teams.
