Family pickup games in the backyard. Fun competitions in the local recreational league. All activities that introduced Brionna Jones to the game of basketball and slowly fostered a deep love for the sport within her. For this Maryland native, it was the memories and connections she built as she played the sport that amplified her interest in playing it at the highest level. It was around the age of nine though that she decided once and for all to commit to basketball. Brionna was all in. In the following years, she continued to expand her skills and make an impact on the floor—even leading her high school team to a state championship as a junior. Through it all, her focus remained resolute. Brionna wanted to achieve her dreams of playing basketball at the highest level. Sure enough, throughout her time in college, she inched closer to this very goal. At the University of Maryland, Brionna worked day in and day out to study the game and elevate her basketball IQ. After four incredible seasons, the opportunity she had been working towards from a young age was here.
With the eighth pick in the first round of the 2017 WNBA Draft, the Connecticut Sun selected Brionna. She had done it. She had achieved her dreams of playing in the WNBA. Even with this incredible accomplishment, she knew the work was just getting started. This was a new chapter in her journey that would challenge her to once again step outside her comfort zone and work towards becoming the best version of herself at this level. Throughout her time in the league, she has done just that. From becoming a 2x WNBA All-Star to earning the 2021 WNBA Most Improved Player and 2022 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year awards, Brionna has grown year after year and fostered her legacy in the game. Currently in her seventh season in the W, Brionna is excited to work towards a championship with the Sun, earning another All-Star selection, and improving her game further. Off the court, she is looking forward to exploring opportunities in the years to come to pay it forward and mentor the next generation of athletes. One thing is for certain: Brionna's focus, determination, and passion for the game continue to make her...A DYNAMIC FORCE!
Let's start with your journey early on in college! You played at the University of Maryland. Could you share more with us about what that experience was like for you?
Growing up, I watched Maryland for a long time. You know, I went to a camp with Coach B when I was young. So to get the call that Coach B wanted to give me the opportunity to play at Maryland, I was super excited. Once I committed and everything, I was ready to get on campus but I had torn my ACL in my senior year of high school. Coming in my freshman year, I was already coming off the injury and I didn't know how it was going to go. It was a really stressful year for me, but being there and learning under Coach Frese and the staff that she had really prepared me to move on to the next level. I love the choice that I made. I loved playing at Maryland and my experience there was great.
How do you think your game elevated throughout your time in college to prepare you for the next level?
I definitely had to pick up my pace from the way I was playing in high school to college (*laughs*). That was the first thing: change of speed. I think just the way she prepared us mentally—teaching us the game and just IQ (was key). We watched a lot of film. Being able to talk anytime with her and the coaching staff, and mentally learn the game, I think was important for me especially because I wasn't the most athletic player out there. I think for me that was the biggest part that helped me transition into the pros.
We have to talk about Draft Night! You were selected by the Connecticut Sun with the eighth pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft. What was that moment like of hearing your name being called and achieving that goal and dream of playing basketball at the professional level?
I mean, that was everything for me. To get drafted that night and hearing my name called…just all the hard work that I put in, the uncertainty through college, and then just hearing my name was like the epitome of everything falling into place. I couldn’t have been more happier than to get picked by the Sun. I got to come play with Alyssa (Thomas)—who I had played in college with—, and that was a great thing for me coming in. I was very excited.
How was that transition from college into the league like for you? What were some challenges that you faced early on?