Jazz Bond makes Osprey history as WNBA draft pick
Childhood dreams came true this week for North Florida women’s basketball player Jazz Bond who joined the ranks of the best women’s basketball players in the world. On Monday, April 11, Bond was drafted to the WNBA by the Dallas Wings in the third round as Pick 31. She is the first UNF women’s basketball player tabbed to the WNBA."Ever since I was little I've dreamed of this very moment," Bond said. "I am very blessed that all of my hard work and dedication to the game has paid off. I wouldn't be in this position without God, my family, coaches and friends who have supported me throughout my career."
Playing with the Ospreys from 2018-22, Bond was a dominant force in the ASUN, being named ASUN Defensive Player of the Year twice, ASUN Player of the Week on seven occasions and ASUN Newcomer of the Week four times during her inaugural season with UNF in 2018-19.
"It's so special to see someone dream big and put in the work to achieve her dream," head North Florida women's basketball coach Darrick Gibbs said. “Jazz has done that and because of it, she has accomplished great things. Jazz being drafted is an unbelievable accomplishment and I couldn't be more proud."
Bond finished her career at North Florida as the all-time leader in blocks, rebounds and free throws. Nationally, she finished 17th in NCAA Division I for blocks and 16th in blocks/game last season. She finished the 2022 year with the third-most career blocks among active players in NCAA Division I and the ninth among all NCAA Divisions.
Her career stat line speaks to her versatility, as she averaged 15.1 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, 1.2 assists per game and 2.6 blocks per game.
Bond appeared in 103 games, starting 100 with the Ospreys after transferring in from USF. In her first game at North Florida, she nearly grabbed a double-double, posting 16 points and nine rebounds at Bethune-Cookman.
A 2022 First Team College Sports Information Directors (CoSIDA) of America Academic All-District honoree, Bond also was named twice to the ASUN All-Conference First Team.