THOUSAND OAKS, California — Jaime Jaquez Jr., who’s making ready for his third season within the NBA with the Miami Warmth, and his sister Gabriela Jaquez, a standout participant for the UCLA Bruins and the Mexican nationwide basketball crew, put aside their very own exercises to steer others by some acquainted drills.
The siblings lately hosted a summer time camp for about 180 members ages 6 to 16 on the Sports activities Academy services in Thousand Oaks. The three-hour camp aimed to advertise basketball abilities, self-discipline and a ardour for the game amongst youngsters and youths. Some members traveled from different states to attend the camp.
“It’s good to come back again and provides one thing again to the neighborhood, particularly in a spot the place we grew up. Having the ability to do that is particular,” stated Jaime, who grew up in Camarillo, shone for 4 years at UCLA and has represented Mexico in worldwide tournaments.
Gabriela Jaquez teaches camp members methods to shoot a basket.
(Nash Boorman, Courtesy of Electrolit)
In the course of the occasion, Jaime recalled his childhood enjoying basketball “from daybreak to nightfall” on the native courts in his hometown.
The camp was additionally a supply of inspiration for households.
“It’s thrilling to see Latino gamers succeed, one within the NBA and one other presumably within the WNBA,” stated Armando Castillas of Oxnard, who attended the camp along with his youngsters, Logan, 6, and Emma, 10.
Along with main the camp, the Jaquez siblings are centered on their upcoming skilled challenges.
Jaime is searching for a season of redemption after a tough 12 months with the Warmth, having been named to the all-rookie crew 2023–24.
“It has all the time been my objective to win championships,” stated Jaime, who famous that he most well-liked to focus completely on enhancing with the Warmth earlier than making any commitments to the Mexican nationwide crew.
For her half, Gabriela lately returned from competing within the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Chile with the Mexican nationwide crew. Within the match, Mexico confronted america, Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Chile, and the Dominican Republic. Gabriela averaged 12 factors per recreation, rating because the Tenth-best scorer within the match, and was acknowledged because the Rising Star of the competitors. She had beforehand performed for Mexico, which additionally helped her adapt to FIBA’s bodily type of play and carry out higher with UCLA.
“It was a superb alternative. Taking part in at that degree helped me rather a lot, particularly bodily,” stated the 6-foot guard, who seems to be ahead to her third season with the Bruins.
“I’m extraordinarily proud to see her play for Mexico. I hope she will be able to proceed on that path and continue to grow,” Jaime stated of his sister.
Each gamers at the moment are making ready for his or her respective seasons with clear objectives: Jaime is seeking to take the Warmth additional within the playoffs, whereas Gabriela has her sights set on a nationwide championship with UCLA.
A gaggle of youngsters with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Gabriela Jaquez through the UCLA siblings’ camp.
(Nash Boorman, Courtesy of Electrolit)
“The objective is to win championships with UCLA,” Gabriela stated. “We’ve already made it to the Ultimate 4, and I feel we’ve the expertise to go even additional.”
This article first appeared in Spanish through L.A. Instances en Español.
