But it is their commitment to their bond and heritage that has allowed them to blossom on basketball courts throughout the West Coast for decades. Thats saying a lot at UCLA and in the Pac-12. Stand behind what you post. Gabriela, the co-MVP of last year's McDonald's All-American game, is averaging 6.7 PPG for the women's squad, which is currently projected as a 6-seed in the NCAA tournament. But the Jaquez family's only previous McDonald's All-American, and its most competitive member, didn't seem to observe her brother's reaction or that of her household being in the stands, and leapt back on defense.Basketball highlights are the norm for the Jaquez family. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. We were always going to the park when I was growing up, and summers were the best. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Receive the latest Dear Abby column in your inbox each morning. But I don't feel any pressure. Limited time only! UCLA Destroys Hapless San Jose State as Jaime Jaquez Stars As the game went on, Hill also had 4 nice assists and shot a game-high 12 free throws to finish tied with Jaquez for the team high of 18 points. For a program going through a rebuild, the trip to Hawaii started poorly with a loss to BYU, setting up a dreaded game against Division II Chaminade from which there wasn't much to gain. Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience, Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more, FOX SPORTS, SPEED, SPEED.COM & 2023 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. person will not be tolerated. Freshman guard Amari Bailey added 19 points and senior guard Tyger Campbell . Shes very different from me off the court. A lot of people in Mexico would love to see someone else in the NBA. Because of the way he pushes us and works for our success, it makes you want to play even harder for him. FILE - UCLA forward Gabriela Jaquez (23) shoots against South Carolina guard Brea Beal during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbia, S.C., Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. What has it meant playing alongside Tyger through this journey, and what does he mean to the Bruins? They were some things tonight hes got to do better, but he really sparked us on the offensive end, Smith said. Plan your fishing trips with Capt. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. 4 UCLA to Host Arizona State on Thursday Evening. Thats the mentality that Jaquez has had since he arrived in Westwood to a program that went 17-16 the season beforehand and was an after-thought nationally. College basketball history is filled with siblings who played the sport at an elite level. Even with their scoring drought, the Bruins took care of the ball with only six turnovers, marking the 27th of 28 games this season they have less giveaways than their opponent. We grew up in a small community that was really close-knit. Not a lot of people can say that. Jaime Jaquez Jr. #24 of the UCLA Bruins handles the ball during the second half of the NCAA game at McKale Center on January 21, 2023 in Tucson,. The Utes played without their starting backcourt of Rollie Worster and Gabe Madsen, who are both injured. Plain and simple, if you want to win, thats what I can do. Ive been able to learn a lot during this time. To this day, most of her children and grandchildren live in Camarillo. My dad was extremely supportive of my dream, and he knew that I was better than the average Joe just by watching me in little league reg games. It was right by my house growing up so that made it convenient. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah center Branden Carlson, left, tries to keep the ball from UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. "One of the things I thought about, I just had all my friends," Jaime Jr. said. Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half and Tyger Campbell added 18 to lift No. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (/ h a m e h k z /, HY-may HAH-kez; born February 18, 2001) is a Mexican American college basketball player for the UCLA Bruins of the Pac-12 Conference.He has earned two all-conference selections in the Pac-12, including first-team honors as a junior in 2022. BOTTOM LINE: Arizona State visits No. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half and Tyger Campbell added 18 to lift No. "I think for us, we can win a game in different ways and thats why were confident we can beat anyone," Jaquez says about this season's Bruins. That UCLA, when he got there, was not the best. After helping lead UCLA's historic Final Four run in 2021, Jaime Jaquez Jr. returned to lead the Bruins back to the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual runner. Thats why I wear No. But Ezequiel remembers convincing his father to build a rim for him and his brother, Dick, to practice with. UCLA: The Bruins took what the Utes gave them, so they consistently scored from the mid-range. Thats easy: to win a national championship. Puedes cambiar tus opciones en cualquier momento haciendo clic en el enlace Panel de control de privacidad de nuestros sitios y aplicaciones. We started with no one coming to our games, no one even wanting to, everyone overlooking us. 20d; 0:31. Oscar Tschiebwe (Kentucky) In high school, he earned recognition in local newspapers as one of the first Mexican American players in the area to compete at an elite level. The animated . Since college hoops season, if I make a visit it comes in the summertime. The weekly shuffle also comes with balancing the highs and lows competing inevitably brings -- like celebrating Jaime Jr.'s excellent performance against Denver and consoling Gabriela hours later. As Jaime Jr. and Gabriela displayed early signs that they might have a future in basketball, Jaime Sr. coached his children at the AAU level but never accelerated their development. Be proactive. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. shoots as Utah guard Marco Anthony defends during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Utah center Keba . Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to read or post comments. It was a heck of an effort. The Wildcats are 14-5 in Pac-12 play. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), UCLA guard David Singleton passes the ball away from Utah guard Jaxon Brenchley (5) during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, Jaime Jr. aims to lead UCLA to its first national championship since 1995. "When we need a bucket, it's pretty simple where we go. I couldnt ask for two better parents. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah guard Marco Anthony drives against UCLA guard Dylan Andrews during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. It was a heck of an effort. Juan (Toscano-Anderson) is already there, and hes holding it down, having won an NBA championship with the Warriors. Jaquez, who was UCLAs only effective offensive player in the second half, made a 3-pointer with 1:03 remaining to seal the win just moments after Campbell made one of his own from the corner. 4-ranked UCLA shook off a sluggish start to remain perfect at home, overwhelming Arizona State on the defensive end en route to a 79-61 win Thursday in Los Angeles. We would get up and head to the park to play basketball, then when lunchtime came we would always hit Taco Bell. Jaime Jr. said he tells his sister. The rise of Jaime Jr. and Gabriela is a testament to the support and love that surrounds them and the sacrifices made before they were born. Earlier this year, Russell (Stong) and I were playing pickup soccer with the womens soccer team, who won the national championship. Theyre a major set play team, so if we dont let them run their sets, we just thought they were going to be lost and not know what to do.. Senior forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. banked in a short jumper and made a layup amid a sea of bodies to help the No. But the . During the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920, a few battles were fought in the Mexican towns just across the border from Arizonan border settlements. Subscribe to Email Newsletters And Breaking News Alerts, Jan Kim Lim - handout one time use, UCLA Athletics, Ringo H.W. ICYMI also features select historical content. The game against the Wildcats will feature a matchup of the two favorites for player of the year. But Jaquez came up with baskets when the Bruins needed them most. I was just waiting for an opportunity. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Obviously, [there was] representing my city, Camarillo, too, and I wanted to promote it in a positive way.". At the head of one of the tables sat Ezequiel and Gloria, Jaime Jr. and Gabriela's grandparents. But Jaquez came up with baskets when the Bruins needed them most. Jaquez was ranked 87th in the 2019 recruiting rankings. What would be your emotions if you brought home UCLAs first national championship since 1995? 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Utah held the Bruins without a field goal for more than six minutes in the middle of the second half, highlighted by a couple of thunderous blocks from Branden Carlson and Keba Keita. Utah finally started making 3-pointers in the second half and cut the Bruins lead to 62-59 after Wilguens Exacte and Saunders hit from behind the arc. My parents got me involved in the sport, and I remember instantly loving the competitiveness of it. A 6-foot-7 guard/forward from Camarillo, Calif., Jaquez Jr. has led the Bruins in scoring (17.0 ppg) and rebounding (8.0 rpg) through the team's first 29 games of the season. Since the 1958-59 college basketball season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. We'll get there.". $5 6-leg flex play Tyler Herro o19.5 Rd 1 points, Kevin Huerter o21.5 Rd 1 points, Teuvo Teravainen o2.5 SOG, Hunter Dickinson o17.5 points, Jaime Jaquez Jr. o16.5 points, Zyon Pulling o15 . Jaquez, who was UCLAs only effective offensive player in the second half, made a 3-pointer with 1:03 remaining to seal the win just moments after Campbell made a 3 from the corner. Low 64F. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. shoots as Utah center Branden Carlson, left and guard Lazar Stefanovic defend during the first half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah center Branden Carlson, right, grabs for a rebound in front of UCLA forward Adem Bona during the first half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Arizonas Azuolas Tubelis leads the conference in scoring and rebounding and could become the first Pac-12 player since Cals Leon Powe in 2006 to lead in both categories at the end of the season. One of the highlights for both came on Nov. 7 when UCLA held a rare basketball doubleheader for the season opener. Si quieres personalizar tus opciones, haz clic en Gestionar configuracin de privacidad. While a . This handout provided by UCLA Athletics shows Gabriela Jaquez and Jaime Jaquez Jr. posed at Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles, Aug. 23, 2022 It has been a great season so far . Get the latest local and national sports headlines deliveredto your inbox every morning. I played first base and was a pitcher, too. I feel like every time Im on the floor, I keep smiling and am so happy to be playing with these guys," said Jaquez, who is averaging 17.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Its eye-opening for a lot of people and I know how much it means to Mexico to see the growth in basketball. Its been great, man. Without their guards, Saunders was a pleasant surprise, but it didnt matter because UCLA shot so well early and held Carlson in check. Basketball highlights are the norm for the Jaquez family. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward led his team in scoring and rebounding as the fourth-ranked . Hes been our point guard for four years. Honestly, it felt amazing and it was crazy because I envisioned it, Saunders said. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 8 Arizona on Saturday Night, No. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah head coach Craig Smith watches from the sidelines during the first half of their game against UCLA on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah guard Wilguens Junior Exacte celebrates a play during the second half of their game against UCLA on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Hes going to learn. "I love representing a country and representing a culture of something bigger than myself as well," he said. Jalen Wilson (Kansas). And it's good for our family. Through group texts, it is collectively decided who will attend which game and when. Receive an email notification each time resident weather expert Stan Blazyk writes a new article. The highlights included what looked like a Bailey trapeze act given the way he flew toward the basket for a put-back dunk that had his teammates flapping towels on the bench in celebration. Internet forum rules National championship. When Gabriela hit a 3-pointer late in the third quarter, Jaime Jaquez Jr. -- the UCLA men's basketball star and her older brother -- stood up, pumped his fist and high-fived his friends. Winning a national title would mean I could wipe my hands and say what I needed. He has totaled 72 assists and 55 turnovers and ranks second on the team with 44 steals (averaging 1.5 steals per game). Well, growing up I played football, soccer, golf, baseball and basketball. UCLA's David Singleton, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell spoke to media members at Desert Financial Arena after the Bruins defeated Arizona State, 74-62, . Were not into moral victories but really, really proud of the way they played today, Utah coach Craig Smith said. We dont get to a Final Four and Sweet 16 without him. Thats something I would take great pride in. Were a lot more of a mobile team than weve been in the past. It also has dramatically improved his standing in a two-man race for Pac-12 player of the year, along with Arizona's Azuolas Tubelis. The chant that serenaded the Bruins after Jaquez stole an inbounds pass for a breakaway dunk provided comforting familiarity in their first true road game of the season. Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! Its really our versatility and ability to switch and move defensively. The key is number one, taking care of the ball, and two, relying on your defense to get things done, not your offense, Campbell said. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah center Branden Carlson, left, looks to drive against UCLA forward Adem Bona during the first half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Plan your fishing trips with Capt. Kobe Bryant. Shes got an attitude to her and thinks shes the best. UCLA: The Bruins took what the Utes gave them, so they consistently scored from the mid-range. I dont think about anything else. ICYMI also features select historical content. The thing about Coach is that he never gives in, never quits on us. Cousins, uncles, grandparents and other relatives all gathered on the Friday night, members of a family that roams the West Coast, and beyond, to watch Jaquez athletes compete in every sport from softball and volleyball to basketball, baseball and football. Para obtener ms informacin sobre cmo utilizamos tus datos personales, consulta nuestra Poltica de privacidad y Poltica de cookies. Jaquez has deflected talk of individual honors and said the only thing he concentrates on is team honors, and trying to get UCLA (26-4) a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. They were some things tonight hes got to do better, but he really sparked us on the offensive end, Smith said. Thats huge to me and really is something that I want to make happen. UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., right, steals the ball from Sacramento State forward Akol Mawein during the first half of the Bruins' 76-50 season-opening win Monday night at Pauley Pavilion. Utah finally started making 3-pointers in the second half and cut the Bruins lead to 62-59 after Wilguens Exacte and Saunders hit from beyond the arc. Utah guard Marco Anthony (10) drives against UCLA guard Dylan Andrews during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, in Salt Lake City. All rights reserved. "When I was really young, I just thought everyone comes to your games and supports [you], but then as I got older, I realized that's not the case for everybody," Jaime Jr. said. Its just so many things to get in when youve got all these freshmen, just so much to teach, Cronin said. UCLA plays at Colorado on Sunday at 1 p.m. PT. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Clear skies. LAS VEGAS (AP) Charlisse Leger-Walker scored 15 points and seventh-seeded Washington State stunned No. I think it's a really cool opportunity if we can capitalize on that. Gloria is the matriarch who has helped the family remain tight. Receive special offers from The Daily News and select partners including discounts, contests and more. "Jaime is a big . Thats what we got in mind, Jacquez said. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward led his team in scoring and . Green counties grew faster than the national average, while purple counties grew more slowly or, in a few cases, lost population. We won't share it with anyone else. He's an . Without their guards, Saunders was a pleasant surprise, but it didnt matter because UCLA shot so well early and held Carlson in check. 21 UCLA open up Pac-12 play with an 80-66 win over Stanford on Thursday in Palo Alto. We play very similarly. Receive the daily weather forecast and the weekly outlook in your inbox each morning. March 3, 2023, 4:04 PM. UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. practices on Thursday in . Lorenzo Mata is a former player on the Mexican senior team and a former UCLA center who made two Final Four runs with the Bruins in 2006 and 2007. The next day against Michigan State in the final game of the tournament, the Camarillo, California native got his first career start. The US Basketball Writers Association revealed the 15-man late season watch list for the Oscar Robertson Trophy on Thursday, and UCLA men's basketball guard/forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. made the cut. The Cardinal couldnt even get the ball past halfcourt on its next possession. Jaquez Jr. and Tubelis are the only Pac-12 student-athletes on the list of 15 players. Receive the most recent obituaries every afternoon. He just always makes great decisions for us. "She doesn't just get the rebounds in her area; she gets the tough ones. McClendon has already helped by providing another practice body thats allowed UCLA to enhance the full-court press thats worked so effectively the last two games. How did you fall in love with basketball? Very few guys in college basketball can score without the offense. If the way the Bruins unleashed it in the first half is any indication, theyre quick learners. A 6-foot-7 guard/forward from Camarillo . UCLA (24-4, 15-2 Pac-12) has won seven in a row despite giving up more than 70 points for just the fourth time this season. Low 64F. Jaime loves UCLA and has been a mentor for my daughter to show whats required of being a student. I know I'm on my own path. Now, back to basketball. Utah held the Bruins without a field goal for more than six minutes in the middle of the second half, highlighted by a couple of thunderous blocked shots from Branden Carlson and Keba Keita. But he quickly rose to first in Cronin's book in that win over Chaminade, going for 17 points and 12 rebounds in 30 minutes. But Jaime Jr., Gabriela and Marcos represent the third generation of basketball players in their family. Soccer, basketball, football, Taco Bell, digest and play some more. LOS ANGELES (AP) Jaime Jaquez Jr. is having the type of senior season at UCLA most players dream about. Jaquez was ranked 87th in the 2019 recruiting rankings. Stanfords first nine possessions ended in futile fashion. 4 UCLA to Host No. But the Jaquez family's only former McDonald's All-American, and its most competitive member, didn't seem to notice her brother's reaction or that of her family sitting in the stands, and jumped back on defense. UCLA: The Bruins took what the Utes gave them, so they consistently scored from the mid-range. Having a little sister around, you dont really appreciate that when youre in high school. They were some things tonight hes got to do better, but he really sparked us on the offensive end, Smith said. 21 Bruins persevere for an 80-66 victory in their Pac-12 Conference opener after having scored the games first 17 points. (Laughs). I am elite in Mario Super Smash Bros. Im also a surfer, skateboarder and snowboarder, but snowboardings kind of hard out in L.A. 4 Bruins' Sweet 16 game against No . Surrounded by her family, she embraced her father and put her head on his shoulder in comfort. Ive learned more about being a consumer and what it means to sell to people. ", Gas prices rise for 31st consecutive day in LA County, Carjacking victim comes face to face with suspect during wild chase, How Paul Murdaugh helped solve his own murder. Lets turn to your classmate and point guard, Tyger Campbell (12.2 PPG, 4.8 APG). It's more than a tradition; it's a legacy Gabriela and Jaime Jr. have cherished. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. National championship. When Gabriela hit a 3-pointer late in the third quarter, Jaime Jaquez Jr. -- the UCLA men's basketball star and her older brother -- stood up, pumped his fist and high-fived his friends. : bit.ly/23alm-68. The goal is to make sure everyone who plays feels supported. His sister, Gabriela, is having a solid season for the 19th-ranked Bruins womens basketball team. Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 23 points as No. What would it mean to you to be the second? Receive Laura Elder's Biz Buzz direct to your inbox every Sunday. The Bruins held a 50-29 halftime lead after shooting 62.9% to Stanfords 43.5% and forcing nine Cardinal turnovers. Keep posts to 75 words or less. I had to get the loaded griller. It's an adjustment from high school. I would say yes, due to my circumstances. The Bruins are 16-0 on their home court. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah guard Mike Saunders Jr. (2) shoots as UCLA guard Amari Bailey defends during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. The first word I want them to say is "legacy." Invalid password or account does not exist. A lot of people get lost in that. Ezequiel's parents didn't know much about basketball after they emigrated from Mexico and moved to Oxnard, California, when their son was a child. Chiu - freelancer, FR170512 AP, Jaquez siblings helping UCLA men, women succeed on court, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is having the type of senior season at UCLA most players dream about. Bistro makes a move; The Anchor ends seawall suspense, Grand jury indicts second defendant in Galveston doctor's death, Seguin man pleads guilty in island doctor Nancy Hughes' death, Former Galveston postal worker sentenced for mail obstruction, Mardi Gras celebrations come to an end with Fat Tuesday parade, First weekend of Mardi Gras in full swing, Good times roll on at Mardi Gras! Subscribe to Email Newsletters And Breaking News Alerts, Jaquez Jr. leads No. This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Real names required. Jaquez quickly became integral to the Bruins' success, helping guide his team to seven NCAA Tournament wins over the last two seasons, including a Final Four appearance in 2021. Usually, after his games, Ill go to his apartment. Bro, Im a five-sport athlete now! LOS ANGELES For the briefest of moments as he dribbled on the wing, UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. saw an opening. To look back and know I achieved those goals still working on my brothers, right?". A screen by teammate David Singleton had cleared a tempting path to the basket. Jaquez's ankle has been the biggest storyline heading into Friday's matchup, and Bruins coach Mick Cronin says he is 'going to try'. Jaime Jaquez, Jr. goes up for a dunk at a spring tournament in California. I was born in Irvine, and we moved to Camarillo when I was 8 years old. Ball security is massive for us. Ive gotten a lot of opportunities. I was just waiting for an opportunity. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah center Branden Carlson, left, drives to the basket as UCLA forward Adem Bona defends during the first half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. It wasnt like the 6-foot-7 freshman was a top-50 recruit who was a guaranteed star. On Sunday morning, the family will quickly head to Las Vegas as the Bruins look to win the conference women's tournament for the first time since 2006.