Jaime Jaquez Jr. vividly recalls a standout moment watching his sister Gabriela play basketball during her high school days in Camarillo, California. Gabriela, a junior at Adolfo Camarillo High School, scored an astonishing 52 points in a playoff game, setting a school record. She later surpassed that feat by scoring 54 points as a senior, highlighting her competitive spirit and talent. This early display of excellence marked the beginning of a promising basketball journey that now positions Gabriela as a rising WNBA prospect.
Gabriela’s Role in UCLA’s Historic Season
Gabriela is now a senior leading the UCLA Bruins, who are ranked No. 2 nationally with a 27-1 record. The Bruins have secured their first ever Big Ten regular season title and are preparing for their final game of the regular season against USC. Following this, UCLA will defend their Big Ten Tournament championship in Indianapolis and enter the NCAA Tournament as projected No. 1 seeds. This season represents their strongest opportunity for a national title since 1978, predating NCAA sponsorship of women’s basketball.
Gabriela’s outstanding season includes averages of 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, two assists, and one steal per game, with shooting efficiencies of 54.7% overall, 40.6% from three-point range, and 88.1% from the free-throw line. Her contributions rank third on the team in scoring and rebounding, second in three-pointers made, and second in minutes played, remarkable achievements given UCLA’s talent-laden roster featuring potentially six 2026 WNBA draftees.
Brother-Sister Bonds and Shared Basketball Success
Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was selected 18th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Draft after a stellar senior year at UCLA, sees many parallels between his path and Gabriela’s. Once a borderline prospect, Gabriela has emerged as a likely first-round pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, with the possibility of going in the top 10 based on her postseason performance.
The siblings will join a select group as one of the few active NBA and WNBA sibling duos, alongside notable pairs such as Amir and Nia Coffey, TJ and Megan McConnell, and Mark and Elizabeth Williams. Jaime spoke with CBS Sports about his admiration for Gabriela’s growth as a player, their family’s basketball roots, and her prospects for turning professional.
Family Influence on Basketball Development
Basketball has been integral to the Jaquez family across generations. Jaime shared that their grandfather played college basketball at Arizona State College, now Northern Arizona University, while both parents competed at Concordia University in Irvine, California.
“Basketball was really huge, but sports in general. Me and my brother and sister, we played every sport – basketball, baseball, football, soccer when we were little kids,”
Jaime recalled.
“It was always a big part of our life, it was something we enjoyed playing. It was a lot of fun.”
He credited their parents’ guidance as pivotal in their development, emphasizing their support and motivation.
“I think it’s a big reason we are where we are today,”
Jaime explained.
The Unique Experience of Playing College Ball Together
During the 2022-23 season, Jaime and Gabriela had the rare opportunity to play simultaneously at UCLA, with Jaime as a senior and Gabriela as a freshman. Jaime described the experience as “great” and “like a blur almost,” expressing joy at supporting his sister in her journey.
“We were in the same facility almost every day,”
he said, calling the shared time “a blessing” and a fulfillment of their dreams.
Since graduating, Jaime has made efforts to catch Gabriela’s games in person whenever possible. He attended the 2025 Final Four in Tampa and the NBA All-Star event in Los Angeles, where he also saw her play.
“When I can, I definitely try to get out there and support,”
he said.
Basketball Beyond the Court: Their Relationship and Collaboration
Despite their busy schedules, Jaime and Gabriela maintain a close bond, both personally and in their athletic development. Jaime noted how much Gabriela has improved, especially during the summer when they often train under the same coach.
“We work with the same trainer, and sometimes we’ll work together, get shots up,”
he said. Their conversations often extend beyond basketball, underscoring a relationship that balances sports and life.
Profiling Gabriela’s Game and Impact on UCLA
Jaime highlighted Gabriela’s traits as a player:
“She’s a very hard worker, great defender, great rebounder, she’s turned into an absolutely amazing shooter.”
He also praised her efficiency and basketball IQ, noting her shooting percentages and improved field goal accuracy that put her on the cusp of joining the elite 50/40/90 shooting club.
He remarked on the challenge of standing out on a team brimming with scorers and playmakers.
“For her to be able to do that shows how professional she is.”
As a 6-foot wing, Gabriela’s skill set and maturity make her a valuable asset on a team expected to produce multiple professional-level players.
Projecting Gabriela’s WNBA Prospects
When asked to pitch Gabriela to WNBA teams, Jaime described her as a “plug-and-play” talent. He underscored her efficiency, defensive capabilities, and high basketball IQ as reasons why she would be an immediate contributor at the professional level. With four of her UCLA teammates projected as first-round WNBA draft picks, Gabriela fits seamlessly into an elite group.
“Whatever team gets her is gonna get a real star,”
Jaime affirmed, reinforcing her rising draft stock and potential impact on the league.
Draft Preparations and Expectations
Regarding the upcoming WNBA Draft, Jaime acknowledged Gabriela’s mix of excitement and nervousness, particularly concerning uncertainties like a potential lockout.
“I told her, ‘Hey, whatever happens, happens. There’s still gonna be a WNBA whether this happens or not, so stay ready and be prepared,’”
Jaime said, emphasizing a focus on readiness and adaptability.
He described the draft process as enjoyable and optimistic, confident that Gabriela will excel regardless of the city or team she joins.
Reflecting on Their Achievements and the Road Ahead
Jaime expressed pride in the fact that both siblings are competing at elite levels but admitted that the full significance may only be clear in hindsight.
“In the moment, you don’t really think much of it, but I know 25 years from now we’ll look back and be like, ‘Holy shit, that was pretty cool,’”
he reflected.
For now, Jaime emphasizes savoring the experience as they continue their respective professional basketball paths, with Gabriela’s emergence as a WNBA prospect adding an exciting new chapter to the family’s storied basketball journey.
