Gabriela Jaquez skyrocketing up draft boards amidst strong senior season

Gabriela Jaquez is playing tremendous basketball for the UCLA Bruins in her senior season. She has been a key part of the 8-1 start and is averaging 26 per game over her last two against Duke and Tennessee. Jaquez who began the season as a second-round pick in most mock drafts has now pushed into the top 11 in the latest mock draft from ESPN. This is due to her shooting 57.1% from the field and developing her 3-point shot to now shooting 48.6%. Giving the Bruins another spacer on the floor and allowing them to operate with so many different options.

Jaquez is also shooting 95% from the free throw line, showing she can knock down the free points given to her. She is averaging 15.6 points per game and pairing with Gianna Kneepkens and Kiki Rice to run a three-guard set. The only team that has been able to contain them is Texas. Every other opponent has not had much success. As this has set up to be the best the Bruins have ever been. With the opportunity to do what the team last year couldn’t do. Win the whole thing and get over the UCONN hill.

The Jaquez name is no stranger to UCLA fans. As her brother Jaime Jaquez Jr. starred on the men’s team on the famous First Four to Final Four team in 2021. Jaime is now the favorite for the Miami Heat to win the Sixth Man of the Year award in the NBA. At this time next year we could see both Jaquez siblings playing professionally. With UCLA forever being their Alma mater to draw back on.

Gabriela still has many games left in her senior season. But she is playing with a ton of confidence and looks in command on the floor. The chemistry continues to be at an all-time high, as they each understand their role. Let’s hope she can cap this season off with a championship. Then off to the 2026 WNBA Draft where her, Rice, Kneepkens, and Lauren Betts could all hear their names called in an historic first round for the Bruins.