OSAKA (Japan) - One of the most recognizable names at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament Osaka, Jonquel Jones, will finally take the court when Bosnia and Herzegovina plays against Canada in their first match. A treat for any basketball fan.

"We have the ability to gauge how good we are against the rest of the world."

Bosnia are one of the rising national teams in the women’s basketball at the moment.  The fastest soaring force, and this spectacular momentum has a name: Jonquel Jones.

At the Women’s EuroBasket in 2021, Bosnia had a historic run to finish at 5th place. Their win against Belgium, one of the best teams in the world, is still fresh memory, not only for fans but for their opponents, too. Jones delivered  44 points, 22 rebounds, 51 effiency!

Bosnia is a talented team, and Jonquel Jones is the undisputed leader in this squad. She led UMMC Ekaterinburg to the Euroleague Women title in 2019 ans 2021 and got individual recognition in WNBA as well, being named the MVP of the 2021 season. It is hard to dispute that she may very well be now the best player in the world. 

With her combination of scoring skills, size, and quickness, she’s been regularly dubbed as the female Kevin Durant. This came first as a compliment but Jones now deserves to be recognized as the unique and brilliant talent that she is. With this status comes the responsability to carry her team to the next level. The World Cup Qualification is on the line. After her amazing display of talents at Last EuroBasketWomen 2021 (24.3 points, 16.8 rebounds with 3 assists per game), expectations and pressure are immense.

So far, Jones doesn’t seem bothered. "Honestly, Basketball is outlet for me. I think regular life is pressure, Basketball is just fun," Jones shrugs.

Bosnia head coach Goran Lojo is highly confident in his superstar.

"Jones is in good shape, she is just coming from the EuroLeague. Last week, she scored 28 points. She was the WNBA MVP last season and she should have been be MVP of the EuroBasket Women by the all statistical parameters."

Ahead of her first game here in Osaka, there’s a lot of optimism and positivity in the air for Jones. The competition is stiff with the likes of Canada who are ranked 4th in the world and Japan who are Olympic silver medalists, but that’s just how Jones likes it. 

"For us, this is the opportunity to get better as a team and prepared for the World Cup. We have the ability to gauge how good we are against the rest of the world."

 FIBA