Is Gabriela Jaquez related to Heat’s Jaime Jaquez? The UCLA connection explained originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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As Gabriela Jaquez continues to shine during UCLA’s Final Four run, one question keeps popping up among fans watching March Madness unfold. Is she related to Jaime Jaquez Jr.?
The short answer is yes. And the full story makes it even better.
Gabriela Jaquez singing the praises of playing multiple sports growing up and encouraging young girls to do so as well. The fun she had doing so ask a kid was clear in her response. pic.twitter.com/aEb9BpblX6
— Her Hoop Stats (@herhoopstats) April 2, 2026
A real basketball family
Gabriela Jaquez and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are siblings, part of one of the most unique basketball families in the sport right now. Both grew up in Camarillo, California, starred at the same high school, and chose UCLA, continuing a shared path that has quietly turned into one of the coolest family stories in college basketball and beyond.
Their connection isn’t just casual. It’s foundational. Gabriela is Jaime’s younger sister, and their family’s roots in basketball run deep. Both parents played at the college level, and the game has been passed down across generations, shaping the way they approach it today.
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Gabriela carving her own path at UCLA
While the last name may feel familiar, Gabriela has built her own identity. Now a senior for UCLA, she’s been a key piece in one of the best teams in the country this season.
Her efficiency has stood out, shooting over 50 percent from the field while averaging double figures in scoring. She doesn’t always dominate headlines the same way some stars do, but her impact shows up in winning. Whether it’s making timely shots, moving without the ball, or making the right play in key moments, she consistently delivers what her team needs. Now, she’s doing it on the biggest stage.
Jaime’s rise to the NBA
Meanwhile, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has already made the jump to the next level with the Miami Heat. After a decorated career at UCLA, where he became one of the most respected players in the country, he’s carried that same toughness and polish into the NBA.
He’s built a reputation around his footwork, physicality, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Those traits have translated quickly, allowing him to carve out a meaningful role early in his professional career. In many ways, his journey helped set the blueprint.
Same roots, different spotlight
What makes this story stand out isn’t just that they’re related. It’s how similar their paths have been, while still feeling completely their own. Both stayed close to home, both chose UCLA, and both embraced development over time instead of chasing shortcuts.
And both have delivered when it matters most. Now, as Gabriela competes on college basketball’s biggest stage, the Jaquez name is once again front and center. Only this time, it’s her moment, and just like her brother, she’s proving that the name carries more than recognition.
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