Brionna Jones, a player for the Connecticut Sun, has been selected the 2022 Kia WNBA Sixth Player of the Year after meeting up her stellar 2021 season with another All-Star-caliber season. The 26-year-old Jones easily defeated Myisha Hines-Allen of the Mystics and Sky center Azurá Stevens of the Sky to win the award, the league revealed on Thursday. Jones received 53 out of 56 votes from a panel of national media members. Jones, a rookie All-Star named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player the previous season, made the most of her opportunity while playing an important backup position this year. For the No. 3 seed Sun, Jones put forth again another outstanding all-around performance.

Getty images/AFP/ WILLIAM WEST/ Contributor

The previous few seasons have seen Jones steadily establish herself as one of the W’s most potential post players, earning second-team All-Defense honors as well. She has given coach Curt Miller a starting-caliber large who can more than effectively fill in for the current MVP Jonquel Jones and play significant minutes. In addition, she is a fierce opponent who knows how to make her influence felt across both ends of the floor. She played in 36 games (seven starts), averaging 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. She was the only non-starter chosen to take part in the star-studded showcase.

Connecticut may encounter fierce competition to keep Jones when she becomes a free agent this summer as she develops as a player, given her rapid rise. However, as they prepare to resume play in the WNBA playoff semifinals on Sunday at Mohegan Sun Arena, the Sun are currently fully committed to the here and now. The Connecticut Sun selected Jones in the 2017 draft, and she is now in her sixth season with the team. Jones has now earned an annual postseason prize for the second year. In addition to a Tiffany & Co.-made trophy, Jones will receive a huge sum.