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 workforce, put aside their very own exercises to guide others via some acquainted drills.
The siblings just lately hosted a summer season camp for about 180 individuals ages 6 to 16 on the Sports activities Academy services in Thousand Oaks. The three-hour camp aimed to advertise basketball expertise, self-discipline and a ardour for the game amongst youngsters and teenagers. Some individuals traveled from different states to attend the camp.
“It’s good to come back and give something back to the community, especially in a place where we grew up. Being able to do this is special,” stated Jaime, who grew up in Camarillo, shone for 4 years at UCLA and has represented Mexico in worldwide tournaments.
Gabriela Jaquez teaches camp individuals the right way to shoot a basket.
(Nash Boorman, Courtesy of Electrolit)
Through the occasion, Jaime recalled his childhood taking part in basketball “from dawn to dusk” on the native courts in his hometown.
The camp was additionally a supply of inspiration for households.
“It’s exciting to see Latino players succeed, one in the NBA and another possibly in 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 targeted on their upcoming skilled challenges.
Jaime is searching for a season of redemption after a troublesome yr with the Warmth, having been named to the all-rookie workforce 2023–24.
“It has always been my goal to win championships,” stated Jaime, who famous that he most popular to focus fully on enhancing with the Warmth earlier than making any commitments to the Mexican nationwide workforce.
For her half, Gabriela just lately returned from competing within the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Chile with the Mexican nationwide workforce. Within the match, Mexico confronted america, Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Chile, and the Dominican Republic. Gabriela averaged 12 factors per sport, 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 model of play and carry out higher with UCLA.
“It was an excellent opportunity. Playing at that level helped me a lot, especially physically,” stated the 6-foot guard, who seems ahead to her third season with the Bruins.
“I’m extremely proud to see her play for Mexico. I hope she can continue on that path and keep growing,” Jaime stated of his sister.
Each gamers at the moment are making ready for his or her respective seasons with clear objectives: Jaime is trying to take the Warmth additional within the playoffs, whereas Gabriela has her sights set on a nationwide championship with UCLA.
A bunch of youngsters with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Gabriela Jaquez in the course of the UCLA siblings’ camp.
(Nash Boorman, Courtesy of Electrolit)
“The goal is to win championships with UCLA,” Gabriela stated. “We’ve already made it to the Final Four, and I think we have the talent to go even further.”
This text first appeared in Spanish by way of L.A. Occasions en Español.
