Miami Heat star Jaime Jaquez's sister leads UCLA Bruins to women's national championship
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., is nearing the conclusion of his best NBA season.
Still, the feeling probably can't compare to what he experienced Sunday afternoon. Jaquez was on hand to watch his younger sister, Gabriela, lead the UCLA Bruins to the women's NCAA title after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks. Gabriela Jaquez paced her team with 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
"Words can't describe it," Jaime Jaquez said. "It's such an amazing feeling. I feel like I'm on top of the world, just watching that game. I'm just so proud of her and her team."
Jaime Jaquez, who also played at UCLA, was able to attend the game in Phoenix because the Heat had an off day. He watched the Bruins regroup after losing in the Final Four the previous season.
"You saw last year, they came short in the Final Four," Jaime Jaquez said. "I'm sure they used that as fuel this year and they came out on top."
Jaime Jaquez Jr., said he wouldn't have missed being there for anything. After the Heat defeated the Washington Wizards Saturday, he immediately took a flight so he could show support for his sister.
"Amazing, a once in a lifetime opportunity," Jaquez said. "It's not every single day your sister gets to play in the national championship, let alone for your alma mater. So just really happy she was able to carry this legacy and continue to grow."
Gabriela Jaquez was appreciative of the support she received from her brother and the rest of the family
“I love my family so much,” she said in the post-game interview. “They’ve supported me every step of the way. My mom was balling before the game started at the sendoff. I was like, ‘Mom, me too, but not yet. I can’t cry yet.’ It’s just been so emotional. This being my last time I wear this uniform is making me really emotional too. To finish like this means everything.”
Now, Jaime Jaquez returns to rejoin the Heat as they hope to make a late-season playoff push.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com