Connecticut Sun resign center Jones

The Connecticut Sun have resigned WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, Brionna Jones, to a oneyear contract, the team announced Monday.

Connecticut selected the 6-foot-3 center with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft and she has spent all six seasons with the Sun. The Maryland product was a huge spark off the bench last year, averaging 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals. She ranked 20th in the WNBA in scoring and fourth in field goal percentage, shooting at a 56.9 percent clip.

During the offseason, Jones has been playing overseas with USK Prague alongside Connecticut forward, Alyssa Thomas.

Having the two-time All-Star return helps Connecticut preserve an important presence on the roster.

“We are so excited to have Breezy back,” said Connecticut’s new Head Coach, Stephanie White in a release. “She’s a proven winner that has worked tirelessly to become one of the best players in our league. She impacts our team on the floor and in the locker room, she is a tremendous ambassador for our community. I can’t wait to work with her this summer.”

Since the franchise’s previous coach Curt Miller left to lead the Los Angeles Sparks, the Sun has been reconfiguring the roster. Connecticut traded their biggest star Jonquel Jones to the New York Liberty in a threeteam trade involving the Dallas Wings.

The Sun also traded longtime point guard Jasmine Thomas to the Los Angeles Sparks in a deal that included former UConn standout Olivia Nelson-Ododa coming to Connecticut.

The Sun recently acquired another former UConn player in Tiffany Hayes from the Atlanta Dream last Thursday.

Keeping an experienced player like Jones on the team amidst the franchise’s new direction will help the Sun maintain the consistency that has led them to 14 playoff berths.

“Brionna has played a significant role in the Sun’s success over the past few years,” said Darius Taylor, General Manager of the Sun. “We are super excited to have her stay in Connecticut and continue to watch her game flourish as we look to compete for a title this season and beyond.”