Jonquel Jones is a beacon of inspiration on and off the basketball court. She recently played a pivotal role in leading the New York Liberty to their first-ever WNBA championship. Her exceptional performance throughout the finals earned her the Finals MVP award, with averages of 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds. Her impressive shooting percentages—56% from the field, 43% from three-point range, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line—cemented her status as a powerhouse on the court.
A Journey of Perseverance
Jonquel Jones's journey to greatness began at the age of 13 when she left her home in the Bahamas to live with strangers and to pursue her basketball dreams. Her path took her to George Washington University, where she honed her skills before being drafted into the WNBA. Over the years, she has amassed numerous accolades, including:
- KIA WNBA Most Valuable Player (2021)
- WNBA Most Improved Player (2017)
- WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year (2018)
- All-WNBA First Team (2021)
- All-WNBA Second Team (2017, 2019, 2022, 2024)
- All-WNBA Defensive Team (2019, 2021, 2022)
- WNBA All-Star (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022,2024)
- No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft (Los Angeles; Later traded to Connecticut)
Despite these achievements, a championship title had remained elusive until now. After three finals appearances, Jones finally clinched victory, leading the Liberty to a monumental triumph that fans had been eagerly awaiting for 28 years.
Reflecting on her journey, Jones shared during the finals, “Y’all know my story, y’all know how many times I been denied but it was delayed, that’s all it was and I’m so happy to do it here.” Her words capture the spirit of perseverance and determination that has defined her career.
Celebrating Heritage and Home
Earlier this year, during her fifth WNBA All-Star appearance, Jones introduced her KD 17 P.E., a shoe she helped design. The sneaker, featuring a detailed map of the Bahamas on the heel, serves as a tribute to her heritage.
In an interview during the finals, she expressed, “I’m just really proud to represent the Bahamas and give the kids there hope that they can do it too because I was just like them.”
Jones’s remarkable achievements inspired Bahamian artist Jamaal Rolle, known as “The Celebrity Artist,” to create a mural in her honor. The mural, bearing the phrase “Delayed, not denied!” stands 30 feet tall at Sherman Williams Hardware Store in the Bahamas. Rolle shared on Instagram, “it’s a true honor to celebrate my fellow Bahamian in this way.” He further remarked, “I thought this was the perfect opportunity to pay tribute and to honor Jonquel Jones with a larger-than-life mural...to show her how proud of her we are as a country.” He also noted that the piece will only be complete when both he and Jonquel sign it.
The mural is the first of its kind on this scale in the Bahamas. It can be seen on Tonique Williams Highway.
A Hero’s Welcome
Following her championship triumph, Jones embarked on an MVP tour that included parades and media appearances across New York City. The celebrations continue with a heartfelt homecoming in the Bahamas—a four-day event honoring her incredible success, and teammate Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is also in attendance.
- November 14th, Freeport: A warm welcome at Grand Bahama International Airport, featuring a vibrant Junkanoo Rush Out.
- November 15th: Visits to local schools to inspire students, followed by an honoring ceremony.
- November 16th: Parade day, with fans gathering at the Motorcade at 10 a.m., and a basketball clinic at St. George’s Gym for athletes aged 13-18. Later, Jones will travel to Nassau, arriving at Lynden Pindling International Airport at 7:30 p.m.
- November 18th, Nassau: The tour concludes with a visit to Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, followed by a press conference at Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium and another basketball clinic.
Jonquel Jones's story is one of resilience, dedication, and triumph. She continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, dreams can indeed become reality.
“Any time I’m on the court I want to represent the Bahamas well, I want to play hard and I want the kids to know they can be like me or even better”, Jones said.
Jonquel Jones’s remarkable journey from a young girl with a dream to WNBA champion continues to inspire countless athletes and fans.
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