Jaime Jaquez watches UCLA play South Carolina in the national championship.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. Celebrates Family and Basketball

PHOENIX – After scoring 32 points against the Washington Wizards, Jaime Jaquez Jr. hopped on an American Airlines flight to catch his sister compete in the NCAA Championship Game.

It was a thrilling 24 hours for Jaquez, who stepped into the Mortgage Matchup Center on Sunday afternoon, donning sunglasses and a UCLA letterman sweater that brought back memories of his college days. He was there to support Gabriela as she faced off against South Carolina, marking an incredible seven-year journey for the Bruins basketball family.

“I really hope she can solidify the Jaquez legacy at UCLA by winning a national championship,” Jaime shared with the California Post while he stood in the pregame concourse. “It’s going to be fantastic.”

The forward for the Miami Heat had just delivered one of his best performances of the season, shooting 12 of 18 and adding four assists and three rebounds in a 152-136 victory over the Wizards.

With a break in the team’s schedule, he received permission from his coach to attend his sister’s final college game. Jaime packed his bags right after Saturday’s game and rushed to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

“Coach Spoelstra told me to go ahead and support my family. The team understood how important this moment was,” Jaime reflected. “You just can’t miss something like this.”

Jaime is in his second NBA season after four notable years at UCLA, where he became a fan favorite. He helped the Bruins reach the 2021 Final Four and earned the title of Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year during his senior year, coinciding with Gabriela’s time on campus before being selected by the Heat in the first round of the draft.

Watching his younger sister, Gabriella, transition from a bench player in her freshman year to a potential first-round WNBA draft pick has been incredibly rewarding.

“It’s been amazing,” Jaime admitted. “She has grown so much from her freshman to her senior year. This is a testament to all the hard work she’s put in. She’s ready for this moment.”