WNBA Star Jonquel Jones Feels BK Love After Trade to NY Liberty
Basketball star Jonquel Jones has been living in New York for less than two weeks, but she’s already feeling the Brooklyn love.
The 6-foot, 6-inch-tall athlete moved to Fort Greene from Connecticut late last month after a whirlwind trade saw New York Liberty acquire the 2021 Women’s National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player, in a major score for the team.
In a recent interview with BK Reader, Jones — also known as JJ, the Bahamian Beast, Big Slim or The Female KD — said she felt the love from Brooklyn from day one.
(L-R) Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb, Jonquel Jones, Liberty coach Sandy Brondello. Photo: Supplied/NY Liberty.
“I’m glad it’s Brooklyn; the love has been second to none,” Jones said.
“People here are really excited about basketball; they know what’s going on and they show that love and appreciation.
The 29-year-old WNBA All-Star has spent his entire career in Connecticut, playing for the Connecticut Sun. She had one year left on her contract there when she told the organization she wanted to play elsewhere for the 2023 season.
NY Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said he jumped at the chance to bring Jones on the team.
“I’ve had a Jonquel Liberty jersey in my office for a year,” he admitted.
Jonquel Jones. Photo: Supplied/NY Liberty.
For Jones, who was born in the Bahamas, Liberty’s emphasis on connecting with New York’s thriving Caribbean community was one of the big things that drew her to the team, she said. .
So far, she’s eaten at a great Caribbean restaurant and enjoyed Caribbean cuisine so much at her first press conference that she joked about staying in the gym. And, she’s already looking forward to Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Parade in September.
On one of her first grocery trips, Jones said a couple recognized her in the store.
“They saw me, and they were like, ‘Oh shoot! You’re already here! If we have you, we already know we’ve won the championship!’
A few days later, she orders a burger from Shake Shack. When she went to pick it up, the woman behind the counter handed her the food and said, “Welcome to New York. We are so happy to have you!
“I was like, ‘Wow, people really follow,'” Jones said. “It feels good for people to say that. Showing love is definitely the Brooklyn way!
Jonquel Jones. Photo: Supplied/NY Liberty.
Jones will join a young New York Liberty team led by Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney.
The team has lost in the first round of the playoffs for the past two years, but Jones – the No. 6 pick in the 2016 draft – said she’s more than optimistic about the NY Liberty team and its future.
With Jones averaging 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season to help Connecticut reach the WNBA Finals for the second time in four seasons, New Yorkers are also optimistic about what what the All-Star could bring to Liberty when the season begins in May.
Jonquel Jones at the Barclays Center. Photo: Supplied/Kostas Lymperopoulos.
“I will say we still have a long way to go, and so let us settle in, let us get our practice out there before we start talking about championships,” Jones said.
“I’m really excited about the team we have and I know we’re going to be able to compete at a very, very high level.”
During that time, she encouraged Brooklynites to buy their subscriptions and get ready for a fun few months.
“I’m super proud to be able to wear New York on my chest and represent not just myself, but the people.”