UCLA’s NCAA title reinforces the Jaquez story

Gabriela Jaquez led UCLA to the title and celebrated with her family after beating South Carolina in the NCAA final

A national championship trophy was not the only achievement he achieved Gabriela Jaquez in UCLA’s victory by 79-51 on Sunday: He also gained an advantage in bragging rights within the family.

In addition to sharing a last name and an impressive basketball heritage, Gabriela and her brother, current guard of the Miami Heat and former UCLA men’s basketball star, Jaime Jaquez Jr.are also united as Bruins (what UCLA teams and athletes are called).

While her sister competed in the title game on Sunday, Jaime appeared on AM850’s “Courtside” alternative broadcast and talked about watching her make her historic mark with UCLA.

“I can’t express how proud I am of her. This has been her dream for a long time, since third grade,” Jaime said on the broadcast. “She wrote on her ‘what she wants to be when she grows up’ sheet.: ‘UCLA basketball player,’ and now she’s here living her dream.”

“I remember the attitude I had when I was a little girl,” she added before the game. “She was always a great little sister. It drove me crazy, but as we grew up we began to understand each other a lot more. “I’m really, really proud of her.”

Her older brother’s praise did not prevent Gabriela from recognizing that she had gained points in the sibling rivalry after the victory.

“Of course I have bragging rights, I’m champion now,” Gabriela said after the match. She, who She led all scorers in the final with 21 pointshad an outstanding performance. Jaime also reached the Final Four as a Bruin, averaging 12.3 points per game as a sophomore on the 2020-21 UCLA team, which fell to the iconic 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime. Jalen Suggs that sent Gonzaga to the national championship game.

Beyond the rivalry, Gabriela also took the time to recognize her brother for his influence on her basketball path.

“I really appreciate your support. The impact it has had on me is truly inspiring.”he continued. “I think growing up watching him compete all the time…I guess we played similarly, but that comes from watching him, always supporting him…I really appreciate his support.”

The Jaquez’s aren’t the only sibling story on the UCLA campus. Center Lauren Betts lifted Sunday’s trophy alongside her sister Sienna Betts, a rookie power forward for the Bruins.