Heat's Jamie Jaquez Jr. Celebrates Sister Gabriela's NCAA Title with UCLA

Miami Heat forward Jamie Jaquez Jr. was overjoyed to witness his sister Gabriela lead UCLA to their first-ever women's basketball national championship.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:08am

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Miami Heat forward Jamie Jaquez Jr. flew to Phoenix to watch his sister Gabriela Jaquez and the UCLA women's basketball team capture their first-ever national title with a 79-51 victory over South Carolina. Gabriela, a senior guard for the Bruins, scored a game-high 21 points and added 10 rebounds and 5 assists in the dominant championship win. Jamie, who played for UCLA from 2019 to 2023, was beaming with pride over his sister's historic achievement.

Why it matters

The Jaquez siblings have a strong basketball pedigree, with both playing for UCLA. Jamie's presence at the national championship game to support his sister underscores the close family bond and the special moment of witnessing a sibling accomplish a lifelong dream of winning a national title.

The details

Gabriela Jaquez became only the fifth player to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NCAA women's basketball national championship game. She averaged 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game during her senior season at UCLA.

  • On April 5, 2026, UCLA defeated South Carolina 79-51 to win the NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship.

The players

Jamie Jaquez Jr.

A forward for the Miami Heat who played for UCLA from 2019 to 2023.

Gabriela Jaquez

A senior guard for the UCLA women's basketball team who led the Bruins to their first-ever national championship.

Chamique Holdsclaw

A former women's basketball player who is one of only five players to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NCAA women's basketball national championship game.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, who is also one of only five players to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NCAA women's basketball national championship game.

Breanna Stewart

A former women's basketball player who is one of only five players to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in an NCAA women's basketball national championship game.

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What they’re saying

“Words can't describe it. Such an amazing feeling, I feel like I'm on top of the world right now just watching that game. Obviously, I'm so proud of her and her team.”

— Jamie Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat forward

“It's not every single day that your sister gets to play in the national championship, let alone for your alma mater. So I'm really happy that she was able to carry the legacy and continue to grow.”

— Jamie Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat forward

The takeaway

The Jaquez siblings' shared passion for basketball and the special bond between them was on full display as Jamie celebrated his sister Gabriela's historic national championship victory with UCLA. This heartwarming moment underscores the power of family support and the joy of witnessing a loved one achieve a lifelong dream.