Jonquel Jones says goodbye to her former team ahead of their relocation
By Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
UNCASVILLE, CT – The sun is setting in Connecticut this season. Just 10 games remain for the Sun before the season wraps up and they pack up to move down to Houston. On Saturday, the New York Liberty hit the road to visit Mohegan Sun Arena for the final time, an emotional farewell for former Sun star Jonquel Jones and UConn legend Breanna Stewart.
Jones was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks with the 6th overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft, but was quickly sent to Connecticut in exchange for Chelsea Gray. The Bahamian center quickly started to establish herself in the league, receiving votes for Sixth Player of the Year as a rookie and winning the league’s Most Improved Player award in her sophomore season.
“A lot of memories here, it’s the place where I started my career,” said Jonquel Jones postgame. “I’m sad to see the Sun go, it’s one of those franchises that has a special place in my heart.”
It was the 2021 season that really propelled Jones to that elite level. She was named the league’s Most Valuable Player with averages of 19.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, also earning All-Defense 1st Team her remarkable defense.
Two years later, Jonquel was the big name in a blockbuster deal that brought her to New York to form a superteam with Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. Since then, Jones has gone on to win a championship and Finals MVP award, cementing herself as one of the best bigs to play the game.
On Saturday afternoon, Jones showed off her dominance, picking up another double-double as the Liberty held on to beat the Sun in the last matchup between the two teams. Jonquel scored 23 points with 11 rebounds, leading the game in both stats.
New York came back from an early deficit, holding Connecticut to just 10 2nd quarter points to take a halftime lead. After the game stayed close, a 10-2 run led by Marine Johannes put the Liberty ahead for good.
“There were a lot of great memories here,” said Breanna Stewart after the game. “I’m glad the last one was a win.”
For the former UConn star, Saturday’s game marked the last time she would take the floor in Connecticut. The legendary college player won four consecutive NCAA titles with the Huskies before going 1st overall in the 2016 draft (five spots before Jonquel).
“Coming here and getting support from Huskies fans is really special,” added Stewart. “It’s tough to see a team go, but it’s exciting to see what’s coming.”
It’s going to be odd to see a full season of women’s basketball played without a team in Connecticut, but it’s also good to see the revival of the Houston Comets. The original WNBA franchise won four championships before folding amid financial uncertainty in 2008.
