Jonquel Jones Biography: New York Liberty Center, WNBA MVP & Champion

Jonquel Jones is a Bahamian professional basketball player who currently plays center for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Known for her dominant post presence, rebounding, and versatility, Jones is one of the league’s most decorated players and a two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player.

Jonquel-Jones
Jonquel-Jones

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Jonquel Orthea Jones

  • Date of Birth: January 5, 1994

  • Hometown: Freeport, Bahamas

  • Height: 6’6″ (1.98 m)

  • Weight: 214 lbs (97 kg)

  • Position: Center/Power Forward

  • High School:

    • Tabernacle Baptist Academy (Bahamas)

    • Riverdale Baptist School (Maryland, USA)

    • Nicknamed “Big Slim” in high school

College Career

  • Clemson University (2012–2013):

    • Played freshman season

  • George Washington University (2014–2016):

    • Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (2016)

    • All-American honors

    • Led team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks

Professional Career

  • WNBA Draft: 1st round, 6th overall, 2016 WNBA Draft (acquired by Connecticut Sun via trade)

  • Teams:

    • Connecticut Sun (2016–2022)

    • New York Liberty (2023–present)

  • WNBA Stats (through 2024):

    • Career averages: 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks per game

    • 2017:

      • First All-Star appearance

      • Most Improved Player

      • Set WNBA single-season rebounding record (403 rebounds)

      • 23 points, 21 rebounds in a game (13th player in WNBA history with a 20-20 game)

    • 2018:

      • Sixth Woman of the Year

    • 2021:

      • WNBA MVP (averaged 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks per game)

      • All-WNBA First Team

      • All-Defensive First Team

    • 2023:

      • Joined New York Liberty

      • Commissioner’s Cup MVP

      • Set WNBA postseason record with eight consecutive double-doubles to open playoffs

    • 2024:

      • WNBA champion

      • WNBA Finals MVP (17 points in Game 5 overtime win over Minnesota Lynx)

      • All-WNBA Second Team

      • All-Defensive Team

  • International:

    • Bosnia and Herzegovina national team (eligible since 2019)

    • Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg (Russia), Çukurova Basketbol (Turkey)

Achievements & Honors

  • WNBA champion (2024, New York Liberty)

  • WNBA Finals MVP (2024)

  • WNBA Most Valuable Player (2021)

  • Commissioner’s Cup MVP (2023)

  • Sixth Woman of the Year (2018)

  • Most Improved Player (2017)

  • All-WNBA First Team (2021)

  • All-WNBA Second Team (2017, 2019, 2022, 2024)

  • All-Defensive Team (2019, 2021, 2022, 2024)

  • WNBA All-Star (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024)

  • Set WNBA postseason record with eight consecutive double-doubles (2023)

  • Set WNBA single-season rebounding record (403 rebounds, 2017, later broken)

  • First player in WNBA history to win MVP, Sixth Woman of the Year, and Most Improved Player

  • Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (2016)

  • Multiple Eastern Conference Player of the Month and Player of the Week awards

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Elite rebounding and shot-blocking

    • Versatile scorer inside and outside

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Clutch performer in big games

  • Style:

    • Dominant, skilled center who excels in transition and half-court offense

    • Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality

FAQs About Jonquel Jones

What position does Jonquel Jones play?
Center

Which team does she play for?
New York Liberty (WNBA)

How old is Jonquel Jones?
31 (born January 5, 1994)

What are her main achievements?
WNBA champion, WNBA Finals MVP, WNBA MVP, Commissioner’s Cup MVP, Sixth Woman of the Year, Most Improved Player, All-WNBA First and Second Team, All-Defensive Team, WNBA All-Star, set WNBA postseason double-double record

What is her playing style?
Dominant, versatile center with elite rebounding and scoring

Conclusion

Jonquel Jones is a dominant and accomplished center whose rebounding, scoring, and leadership have made her a cornerstone for the New York Liberty and one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball.