GB Minister Congratulates WNBA Player Jonquel Jones on "Exceptional" Season

Mon, Sep 18th 2017, 01:37 PM

Congratulating Grand Bahamian Pro Basketball Player Jonquel Jones on completing a record-breaking and “most impressive basketball season with the WNBA,” Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson in a statement issued on Saturday remarked that a combination of perseverance, good character and a supportive community is sure to set persons on the path to victory, and that the Bahamas Government is determined to foster such support.

Jonquel Jones became a professional basketball player with the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA, after she was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft. Jones, who is a 6’6” power forward/centre, is a native of Holmes Rock, Grand Bahama, who played college basketball for Clemson and George Washington.

She recently completed her second season as a professional ball player, where she set a new WNBA rebounding record – with 399 rebounds, beating out the old record of 398, which was previously set by Tina Charles. Jones also finished her second season with an average of 15 points per game, 11.9 rebounds per game and an impressive .446 three-point field goal percentage per game.

“As a result of her hard work and triumphs in the sports arena, Jonquel has become a symbol of Bahamian national pride,” said Minister Thompson.

“We should all be proud as Bahamians to see her running down the court or standing on world stages, proudly claiming her Bahamian roots as an international Ambassador, bringing honor to our aquamarine, black and gold.

“As Minister of State for Grand Bahama, I am especially excited about and proud of the amazing season that Jonquel Jones has had.”

Minister Thompson pointed out that subsequent to her notable participation in the Women’s Korean Basketball League, Jonquel has had a stellar season in the WNBA, where she became the first Bahamian female to play and start in the All-Star game. She became the first Bahamian basketball player to register a seasonal record performance by pushing her rebound total as a Connecticut Sun to 403.

Jonquel is the first WNBA player to hit 400 total in a season.

“It has truly been an exciting year for sports in The Bahamas,” added Minister Thompson, stating: Jonquel Jones and Olympian Shaunae Miller-Uibo have set a tone for women in the sports industry.

By Andrew Coakley

Bahamas Information Services

 Sponsored Ads