Sandy Blondelo recently asked Johnkel Jones what she wanted to hear, and it turns out, it was good news. Her Star Center indicated she’s almost back to full strength—reportedly at “99.999999%”—after Liberty practice at Barclays Center. Yes, you read that right; that’s a lot of nines. This leaves little doubt that Jones will be back for the Liberty’s first game post-All-Star break against the Fever on July 22.
“It’s great. I love it,” Blondelo said about Jones’s return. “I was hopeful. We really missed her. Now it’s about getting her back into the groove. She hasn’t played in a bit, but just her presence boosts everyone’s confidence.”
The MVP from 2024 had a solid return to the court on June 19 and participated in a full practice over the weekend, after missing eight games due to a right ankle injury sustained in a game versus the Mercury.
Initially, she was told it would take four to six weeks to recover, and the Liberty has struggled in her absence, particularly on defense and in their shooting game without a strong center. Without her, the team is sitting at 4-4, and notably, they also missed fellow starter Leonie Fevich who was away for the German EuroBasket. Jones has only suited up for nine games this season, averaging 12.1 points and 9.6 rebounds.
Now, reflecting on her condition, Jones mentioned she feels “great” and doesn’t feel the ankle while playing anymore. Although, she admits that warming up is still quite the challenge. “Once everything’s warmed up though, it feels good,” she shared. “We’ve been working hard to keep my conditioning high. I’ve been lifting and conditioning almost every day, plus doing a lot of 5-on-5 drills.”
Jones elaborated on her recovery process, which includes a mix of conditioning drills and basketball practice on the court after her time in the weight room. Before heading out, she spends time back in the treatment room, working on her foot and getting taped up. “It sounds a bit repetitive, but I’m actually doing more in the gym now than I would have if I were playing,” she remarked. “I’m just excited to get back on the court.”
With all this momentum, Jones didn’t take a break over the All-Star weekend either. She plans to head home to the Bahamas alongside some Liberty coaches and practice players.
“I’m still going to work out and focus on getting ready to play after the All-Star break,” she said. “So, while I’m home, I’ll definitely be hitting the gym.”
Jones, who has been named an All-Star in five of the last seven seasons, including this year, initially felt a bit upset when she didn’t make the starter list announced on June 30. “There’s no minimum game requirement for All-Stars, but I know my injuries played a big role,” she acknowledged. She didn’t make the 12-player reserve list either, which is chosen by the WNBA head coach.
Come Tuesday, it seemed like she had come to terms with what was once a significant goal for her this season not coming to fruition. “I don’t think anyone who put together the All-Star roster this year thought I didn’t deserve to be there,” Jones stated.
As for whether she’ll be on the court for Saturday’s game, well—she’s still not certain.
