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. UCLAs 15-2 mark through 17 Pac-12 games marks the programs best conference start since the 2007-08 Final Four team with Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook. Seven turnovers and two missed shots later, the Cardinal remained scoreless. Be brief. The game was never in jeopardy, Cronin said, despite Utahs late runs. But that he left it in a better place from where he found it. Kobe Bryant. SoFi Stadium. Thats what we got in mind, Jacquez said. He committed to UCLA in 2018 when the program was at one of its lowest points after firing Steve Alford less than a week before the start of conference play. John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports. $18) with no contract. Gabriela said having her older brother around has made adjusting to college easier. But he quickly rose to first in Cronins book in that win over Chaminade, going for 17 points and 12 rebounds in 30 minutes. Receive an email notification each time resident weather expert Stan Blazyk writes a new article. This is the nation's oldest such award and the only one named after a former player. Clear skies. Hes an everyday guy, thats why. No more than two posts per thread Even bigger than Jaime Jr. playing for Mexico at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Shes very sassy and thinks shes No. I think of all of the AAU games and practices they drove me to throughout California, and all of the hours they put in. UCLA plays at Colorado on Sunday at 1 p.m. PT. Get the latest local and national sports headlines deliveredto your inbox every morning. ICYMI is a weekly newsletter highlighting stories from the past week. I love getting out and playing soccer. 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,. "I was in basketball camp in fourth grade and they just had us write down our goals," she said. Men's Basketball I just wanted to play with them and see what I could do. Arizona State guard Luther Muhammad (1) shoots against UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (24) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. The thing about Coach is that he never gives in, never quits on us. Antoine Davis (Detroit) Saunders, who only had three points in all of conference play coming into the game, brought a new element of speed to the Utes but made some mistakes characteristic of seldom-used players. 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-up North Carolina. Its always on my mind because were this close to the moment and weve been close before. Jaime Jr. and Gabriela still return to Camarillo during the season. Mike Saunders Jr. came off the bench to score a career-high 25 points for Utah (17-12, 10-8 Pac-12), which has lost three in a row. LOS ANGELES (AP) Jaime Jaquez Jr. is having the type of senior season at UCLA most players dream about. I still go out and golf. The moment I touched the ball, I didnt want to stop holding it. In high school, I could do whatever I wanted. Obviously, [there was] representing my city, Camarillo, too, and I wanted to promote it in a positive way.". proporcionarte nuestros sitios y aplicaciones; autenticar usuarios, aplicar medidas de seguridad y evitar el spam y los abusos, y. medir el uso que haces de nuestros sitios y aplicaciones. A screen by teammate David Singleton had cleared a tempting path to the basket. Jaime Jr. said he tells his sister. Gabriela Jaquez, Jaime's younger sister, is an incoming freshman on the UCLA women's basketball team who was the No. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), UCLA forward Adem Bona dunks over Utah center Keba Keita, left, as Utah forward Bostyn Holt looks on during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Surrounded by her family, she embraced her father and put her head on his shoulder in comfort. The Camarillo . Twenty years from now, when UCLA fans are talking about the mark Jaime Jaquez left on the program, what do you want them to say? No. But the . Jaquez poured in 12.3 points and 6.1 rebounds-per-game that season, then averaged 13.9 PPG last year. 15d; 0:19. 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. Micks intensity level is off the charts, and his coaching tank is always full. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah guard Mike Saunders Jr., left, shoots over UCLA guard Tyger Campbell during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Get the latest local and national sports headlines deliveredto your inbox every morning. 4 UCLA and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Not only does the senior have a chance at winning Pac-12 Player of the Year honors, but this season has been extra special because his sister Gabriela is in her first year on the Bruins women's basketball team. It was an absolute dream come true. person will not be tolerated. "We're both competitive," Jaime Jr. said to ESPN of his sister's reaction to what she considered a disappointing performance, despite also picking up nine rebounds. Wether they were the most important, most read or most talked about we want to make sure you read them. Were a lot more of a mobile team than weve been in the past. UCLA has been in the Top 10 for the last month and further upward mobility will probably depend on one of the top three losing this weekend. BOTTOM LINE: No. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah center Keba Keita, left, and UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. watch the ball get away during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. UCLA, with a three-game league lead over USC and Arizona, will return to action against Arizona State (20-9, 11-7) this Thursday evening at 6 p.m. (PT). Get a link to the latest e-Edition delivered to your inbox each morning. (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. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah center Branden Carlson shoots over UCLA forward Kenneth Nwuba during the first half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. Gabriela adds, "I really don't care if they see me as Jaime's little sister. 4 UCLA to a 78-71 win over Utah on Thursday night. I prepare myself to be in these situations, Jaquez said. "To be on the mound where legends have been and do that was so, so cool," Jaquez said. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. It was right by my house growing up so that made it convenient. Jaquez said the most important part of the game-opening spurt was what the Bruins did defensively. 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. ICYMI is a weekly newsletter highlighting stories from the past week. The best piece of advice came from my dad, and its actually something that he got by reading Coach Wooden: Be quick, but not in a hurry. Jaquez's ankle has been the biggest storyline heading into Friday's matchup, and Bruins coach Mick Cronin says he is 'going to try'. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), UCLA forward Adem Bona reacts during the second half of their game against Utah on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. 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. Whats the best piece of advice you have ever gotten? I think for us, we can win a game in different ways and thats why were confident we can beat anyone. The decision made waves within the Jaquez family, who still have roots in Mexico, including relatives living in Guadalajara. Selected to Wooden Award National Ballot, No. More . "Jaime is a big . Receive the latest Dear Abby column in your inbox each morning. Sept. 16, 2022 10:45 a.m. UCLA men's basketball senior guard/forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been a cornerstone of the program since his freshman year in 2019-2020. She was the 19th-ranked player in the Class of 2023 and co-MVP of last years McDonalds All-American game. Jalen Wilson (Kansas). All for just $15 (U.P. It wasnt like the 6-foot-7 freshman was a top-50 recruit who was a guaranteed star. Invalid password or account does not exist. It diversifies the NBA a lot more, too. We started with no one coming to our games, no one even wanting to, everyone overlooking us. "The whole community, because they have their friends, they played with them on our team. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Armando Bacot (North Carolina) If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. While Jaime came in under the radar, Gabriela entered UCLA with plenty of hype as part of the top-ranked recruiting class in the country. Use the "Report" link on All rights reserved. "I didn't want to leave and go to a new school and meet a bunch of people. The Weeknd. "I love representing a country and representing a culture of something bigger than myself as well," he said. We have a good team capable of winning games.. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward led his team in scoring and . Ezequiel would go on to play basketball at Ventura Community College before transferring to Northern Arizona. each comment to let us know of rule violations. Jaime Jaquez Sr. said the plan is for most of the family to be at Pauley Pavilion while some will be at the regional semifinal since both games are taking place simultaneously. 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. The next day against Michigan State in the final game of the tournament, the Camarillo, California native got his first career start. (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. Bro, Im a five-sport athlete now! To be on the mound where legends have been and do that was so, so cool. And I said, 'Get an offer from UCLA,' 'Get a scholarship,' 'Be nicer to my brothers' and 'Make a left-handed layup.' He wants to be known as a Bruins legend first. Internet forum rules 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. I love cooking up beats on garage band, too. Para obtener ms informacin sobre cmo utilizamos tus datos personales, consulta nuestra Poltica de privacidad y Poltica de cookies. You see the game, and its getting to be a lot more international. But that's not his focus. Jaquez thinks this team can go even further. But Jaquez came up with baskets when the Bruins needed them most. 4 UCLA to Host No. My parents got me involved in the sport, and I remember instantly loving the competitiveness of it. My guys have faith in me that Im going to make the right play every time down the stretch.. 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. It helps that it was her dream school. (Laughs). Alright, speaking of music, whats the best concert youve ever been to? This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. But Jaquez came up with baskets when the Bruins needed them most. Limited time only! More than a dozen relatives travel back and forth between Pauley Pavilion and their hometown of Camarillo, California, 45 miles northwest of Westwood, in support of the talented siblings -- including younger brother Marcos, a basketball player and budding football prospect at Camarillo High School. 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, . That was always my mindset from the beginning and I was not going to think any other way. Utah: The Utes made it difficult at times for the Bruins with a determined effort on the boards and a lot of hustle, but the Utes couldnt shoot. In four seasons under coach Mick Cronin, Jaquez has emerged as a fan favorite and one of Cronins favorite players who has played for him all four years. (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. Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 23 points as No. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Cuando utilizas nuestros sitios y aplicaciones, usamos. 2023 College Basketball Power Rankings: Which teams can take advantage of the chaos? I cant eat it like that anymore. All rights reserved. I was born in Irvine, and we moved to Camarillo when I was 8 years old. 8 Arizona, Jaime is on pace to become only the sixth player in conference history to rank in the top five in the Pac-12 in scoring, rebounding and steals. Marcus Sasser (Houston) Jalen Pickett (Penn State) Hes the one who makes all of that happen. What has made the year even more enjoyable is that he isnt the only Jaquez making an impact on the court. Jaquez, now a 6-foot-7 matchup nightmare, returns for his senior season after averaging 13.9 points and 5.7 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game. Nosotros, Yahoo, somos parte de la familia de marcas de Yahoo. At the head of one of the tables sat Ezequiel and Gloria, Jaime Jr. and Gabriela's grandparents. Note: A Spanish version of this story can be read here. "I just wanted to make sure that they won first and I wanted them to go through the steps," he said. March 3, 2023, 4:04 PM. He has plans to improve on his 3-point shooting after . (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. What has allowed you guys to win six straight games and have a 23-4 record on the season? A few years ago, she returned to Mexico and held a massive reception for her family. LOS ANGELES (AP) Jaime Jaquez Jr. is having the type of senior season at UCLA most players dream about. Its the Dodgers. Hours earlier, Jaime Jr. had scored in double figures, on the same court, also in front of his family. Jaime is a big-time player. mostrar anuncios y contenido personalizados basados en perfiles de inters; medir la efectividad de los anuncios y el contenido personalizados, y. desarrollar y mejorar nuestros productos y servicios. 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. Drew Timme (Gonzaga) "By the time we got to a bigger rim, it was easy," Ezequiel said. Every Sunday, she cooks a large meal for her family, who pop in and out to say hello and eat. Well, now were starting to get to the hard hitters here. I came here on a mission, and that was to restore UCLA to glory. Green counties grew faster than the national average, while purple counties grew more slowly or, in a few cases, lost population. Let me put it this way: I didnt bet on UCLA. lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. Tyger Campbell scored 10 of his points in the first half and helped manufacture open shots for his teammates while the Bruins held the Utes to 33 percent and 0-for-10 from 3-point range to take a 43-31 lead at halftime. The Bruins (26-4, 17-2 Pac . Receive Laura Elder's Biz Buzz direct to your inbox every Sunday. have pegged UCLA at No. Jaime Jaquez Jr. sinks bucket at end of the first half. Sometimes its easy to forget about some of the cool things that Ive been able to do. LOS ANGELES For the briefest of moments as he dribbled on the wing, UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. saw an opening. Plain and simple, if you want to win, thats what I can do. Jaquez thinks this team can go even further. I love my friends. He is one of just two players in the Pac-12 to rank among the league's top five leaders in scoring and rebounding (along with Arizona's Azuolas Tubelis). The Bruins won, but Gabriela scored just the three points. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. But I don't feel any pressure. Were not into moral victories but really, really proud of the way they played today, Utah coach Craig Smith said. 21 Bruins persevere for an 80-66 victory in their Pac-12 Conference opener after having scored the games first 17 points. Receive Laura Elder's Biz Buzz direct to your inbox every Sunday. 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. Joe Kent's Reel Report every evening. Without their guards, Saunders was a pleasant surprise, but it didnt matter because UCLA shot so well early and held Carlson in check. But their father had no interest in joining the nationwide trend whereby many top players leave their local schools in favor of private or prep schools. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah center Keba Keita (13) blocks a shot by UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. and may be republished in print. 4 UCLA and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Not only does the senior have a chance at winning Pac-12 Player of the Year honors, but this season has been extra special because his sister Gabriela is in her first year on the Bruins women's basketball team. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to read or post comments. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. 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. Receive special offers from The Daily News and select partners including discounts, contests and more. 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. You talk about your dad showing you what UCLA was all about. UCLA: The Bruins took what the Utes gave them, so they consistently scored from the mid-range. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), UCLA coach Mick Cronin gestures from the sidelines during the first half of their game against Utah on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. It was incredible. One of the highlights for both came on Nov. 7 when UCLA held a rare basketball doubleheader for the season opener. Juan (Toscano-Anderson) is already there, and hes holding it down, having won an NBA championship with the Warriors. 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. You could try different things with ball handling and making your own shots, so Id go to the parks growing up and try out all kinds of things. The other MVP was fellow Bruins freshman Kiki Rice. Purdue center Zach Edey and reigning winner Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky were among the 15 finalists named Saturday for the Wooden Award as the best men's college basketball player. Thats something I would take great pride in. 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! Being from Camarillo, how much did you think about going to UCLA when you were growing up? Ive been able to learn a lot during this time. UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. (24) drives between Arizona's Oumar Ballo, left, and Arizona's Pelle Larsson (3) during the Pac-12 tournament championship game on March 12 in Las Vegas. 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. Follow him on Twitter @John_Fanta. Mata has mentored Jquez Jr., who said Mata . 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. Jaime Jaquez Jr. finishes with 26 points as UCLA defeats Arizona State 79-61 to keep their bid for a top seed in the NCAA tournament very much alive. 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. LOS ANGELES Jaime Jaquez Jr. is having the type of senior season at UCLA most players dream about. Now were selling out games.. If UCLA (-2.5) intends to beat North Carolina in their NCAA tournament Sweet 16 matchup Friday, the availability of Jaime Jaquez Jr. can swing the difficulty of that . Jaquez Jr. and Tubelis are the only Pac-12 student-athletes on the list of 15 players. I think it's a really cool opportunity if we can capitalize on that. Don't threaten. Receive email alerts anytime there is breaking news or a severe weather alert. I think weve got a lot of different options and thats led us to become more athletic this season. When you have Jaime and Tyger, its easy to be confident.. It came from Mamba. Freshman guard Amari Bailey added 19 points and senior guard Tyger Campbell tallied 17 points and eight assists for the Bruins, who held the Cardinal (3-5, 0-1) to 45.3% shooting and 17 turnovers. Watch his March Madness highlights here.Watch highlights, game recaps and much more from the NCAA Division I mens and womens basketball tournaments on the official NCAA March Madness YouTube channel. Through group texts, it is collectively decided who will attend which game and when. Edit yourself. 4 UCLA held off a late Utah rally to win 78-71 and inch closer to their first Pac-12 regular season title since 2013. On the other hand, Im very low-key and mellow, but man, shes got an attitude and confidence. Receive email alerts anytime there is breaking news or a severe weather alert. National championship. The Bruins held a 50-29 halftime lead after shooting 62.9% to Stanfords 43.5% and forcing nine Cardinal turnovers. 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.