In a heartwarming display of sibling solidarity, Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. made the journey to Tampa’s Amalie Arena to cheer on his sister Gabriela as she and the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team face UConn in their historic first-ever Final Four appearance on April 4, 2025.
Four years after his own Final Four run with the UCLA men’s team, Jaime traded his Heat jersey for Bruins gear, watching from the stands as roles reversed. Tampa’s proximity—less than 300 miles from Miami—and an unexpected break in the Heat’s schedule created the perfect opportunity for this meaningful family moment on college basketball’s biggest stage.
A Tale of Two Final Fours: The Jaquez Family Legacy
Jaime’s 2021 Final Four appearance with UCLA ended in heartbreak with a 93-90 overtime loss to Gonzaga. Now, Gabriela aims to go further, having powered the Bruins to the semifinals with an 18-point performance in their Elite Eight victory over LSU, including a clutch game-sealing three-pointer.
Miami Heat player, @jaquez_jr is here supporting his sister @gabrielarj11 💙#MarchMadness x #WFinalFour x @UCLAWBB pic.twitter.com/tR1aIl9Hpo
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 5, 2025
The junior guard’s season average of 9.9 points and 5.3 rebounds has been crucial for UCLA’s historic 33-2 run. Her emergence as a key starter alongside Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice has drawn comparisons to her brother’s collegiate success highlighting the basketball talent flowing through the Jaquez family.
Joining approximately 20 family members in Tampa, Jaime expressed the significance of the moment “Sister in a Final Four, it doesn’t happen every day. Once in a lifetime. I was there, so it’s only right that I go and support her as well.”
Despite his busy NBA schedule with the Heat, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 34-41 record, Jaime prioritized witnessing his sister’s milestone. After her Elite Eight heroics, he proudly posted on Instagram, “Go Bruins!!! Final 4!!!”
Mexican-American Pride: Three Generations of Jaquez Athletes
The Jaquez siblings represent the third generation of athletes in their family, following father Jaime Sr. and grandfather Ezequiel, both former college basketball players. Their Mexican-American heritage adds another dimension of pride to their achievements on the court.
His selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2024 and fourth-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting further cement the family’s athletic prowess.
Gabriela acknowledged the historical significance of UCLA’s run saying “To do something we haven’t done in a really long time or in the NCAA era, I’m just so proud.” The top seeded Bruins face a formidable opponent in UConn led by star Paige Bueckers.
KEEP READING: Watch: UCLA WBB Reacts to Kiki Rice’s Elite 90 Award Ahead of Final Four Showdown vs. UConn’s Paige Bueckers
The stakes are enormous, with betting odds from Caesars listing UCLA at +470 to win the national title. Whether the Bruins advance past UConn to face South Carolina or NC State in Sunday’s championship, the Jaquez family name is firmly etched in UCLA basketball lore. They are bonded by mutual support that transcends their individual successes.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
