Jaime Jaquez Jr. Makes Case for Sister Gabriela Jaquez in Upcoming WNBA Draft

Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been watching his younger sister, Gabriela Jaquez, develop into a star for UCLA women’s basketball since the beginning.

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After the siblings both represented UCLA as senior and freshman during the 2022-23 season, the Miami Heat drafted Jaquez Jr. with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. And now, Jaquez could follow in her brother’s footsteps as a first-round draft pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Jaquez Jr. explained why he believes WNBA teams should consider drafting his sister in April.

“It’s the plug-and-play for sure. Her efficiency, she’s already playing with – I looked at a draft board and four of her teammates are gonna go first round. The fact that she’s able to play on a team like that and be as efficient as she is, and she has such a high IQ too and is a great defender. I think she’s gonna be an instant plug-and-play type of girl. Whatever team gets her is gonna get a real star,” Jaquez Jr. said, per CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney.

Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (24) dunks against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Jaquez Is Looking To Win A National Championship With UCLA This Season

Jaquez is one of six UCLA women’s basketball players expected to be selected in this year’s WNBA Draft. In addition to Jaquez, seniors Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice along with graduate students Gianna Kneepkens, Angela Dugalić and Charlisse Leger-Walker are expected to be drafted.

Jaquez came off a standout junior season that ended with UCLA’s first Final Four appearance of the NCAA era. This season, the 2024-25 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention is averaging 14.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, two assists and one steal across 28 games.

Mar 30, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates after a three-pointer against the LSU Lady Tigers during the second half of a Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

With multiple players leaving the program, this season is UCLA’s best shot at winning the first national championship in program history. The Bruins have been the No. 2 team in the nation all second behind reigning national champions, UConn.

UCLA has one more regular season game against crosstown rivals, USC, on Saturday. Then, the Bruins will begin the postseason at the Big Ten Tournament next week.

Jaquez’s performance in the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament will play a big role in where she lands in the draft in April.

Photo Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

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