It was a heck of an effort. National championship. "I didn't want to leave and go to a new school and meet a bunch of people. Every Sunday, she cooks a large meal for her family, who pop in and out to say hello and eat. But it's a familiar grind. Copyright UCLA Athletics. Receive the most recent obituaries every afternoon. At the head of one of the tables sat Ezequiel and Gloria, Jaime Jr. and Gabriela's grandparents. Theyve meant a lot and have been very supportive from the start. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), UCLA guard Tyger Campbell shoots as Utah guard Wilguens Junior Exacte, left, defends during the first half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. 4 UCLA and Jaime Jaquez Jr. 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. Sometimes its easy to forget about some of the cool things that Ive been able to do. She's so blue-collar and willing to do whatever. 4 UCLA to a 78-71 win over Utah. 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. I made it clear to him that it was my dream to reach the NBA, and he and my mom couldnt have been more supportive of it. UCLA had rolled off the games first 17 points while making all eight shots. I remember I was very young. UCLA seniors Jaime Jaquez Jr. and David Singleton met with reporters at the Galen Center after the Bruins dropped a 77-64 decision in a Pac-12 contest. 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. Weve been among the top teams in the fewest turnovers (this year, 17th nationally with just 10.4 turnovers per game). Receive the daily weather forecast and the weekly outlook in your inbox each morning. More help could be on the way soon. At Toppers Pizza in Camarillo, members of the Jaquez family took up two large tables as they passed a collection of pizzas -- creamy garlic chicken, chicken ranch dijon and hot honey -- between them. 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. (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. (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. Jaquez scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half and Tyger Campbell added 18 to lift fourth-ranked UCLA to a 78-71 victory over Utah on Thursday night. Limited time only! Utah guard Lazar Stefanovic (20) drives against UCLA guard Amari Bailey (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, in Salt Lake City. Well, now were starting to get to the hard hitters here. Maxx Flash Deal: Get 100GB, unlimited local outgoing calls and 2GB Roaming Data. We won't share it with anyone else. Subscribe to Email Newsletters And Breaking News Alerts, Jan Kim Lim - handout one time use, UCLA Athletics, Ringo H.W. (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. This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward led his team in scoring and rebounding as . 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. Oscar Tschiebwe (Kentucky) We grew up in a small community that was really close-knit. LOS ANGELES (AP) Jaime Jaquez Jr. is having the type of senior season at UCLA most players dream about. But that's not his focus. 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. Stand behind what you post. 19 recruit in the class of 2022. Dont knowingly lie about anyone or Sometimes, they bring their friends and show them how to put ranch on their favorite pizza slices. Threats of harming another What has made the year even more enjoyable is that he isnt the only Jaquez making an impact on the court. 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 . On Saturday, Jaime will take part in senior night and Marcos is playing in a high school regional semifinal. Usually, after his games, Ill go to his apartment. More . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. (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. Receive updates on the latest issues of Coast Monthly. Postgame - David Singleton, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyger Campbell (Jan. 19 Gabriela adds, "I really don't care if they see me as Jaime's little sister. Honestly, it felt amazing and it was crazy because I envisioned it, Saunders said. Receive special offers from The Daily News and select partners including discounts, contests and more. Jaquez leads the Bruins with 7.9 boards. While a meaningless game could have been hard for some to get up for, Jaquez made the most of his minutes. Jaquez Jr. scores 26 as No. 4 UCLA beats Arizona State 79-61 Joe Kent's Reel Report every evening. Its really our versatility and ability to switch and move defensively. Thats something I would take great pride in. All in the family: how 3 generations of Jaquezes have Its always on my mind because were this close to the moment and weve been close before. SALT LAKE CITY Even when few other Bruins seemed to be able to get it going in the second half, UCLA could count on Jaime Jaquez Jr. Jaquez scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half and Tyger Campbell added 18 to lift fourth-ranked UCLA to a 78-71 victory over Utah on Thursday night. A projected second-round pick in the 2023 NBA draft per ESPN, Jaime Jr. could become one of the few players with Mexican heritage to compete in the NBA. We were always going to the park when I was growing up, and summers were the best. Winning a national title would mean I could wipe my hands and say what I needed. We started with no one coming to our games, no one even wanting to, everyone overlooking us. Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! My guys have faith in me that Im going to make the right play every time down the stretch.. Hours previously, Jaime Jr. had scored in double figures, on the . Without their guards, Saunders was a pleasant surprise, but it didnt matter because UCLA shot so well early and held Carlson in check. 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. It was my favorite. "And I started to appreciate it a lot more.". Jaime is a big-time player. Its been great, man. I was just waiting for an opportunity. I had to get the loaded griller. (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. 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. The more immediate task is preparing for Saturdays game, which will also be Jaquezs final game in Pauley Pavilion. All three Jaquez siblings recently recognized their Mexican heritage with a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Tricolor Holdings, a company in Dallas that helps Latino immigrants purchase and finance cars. Now, back to basketball. (Photo courtesy of Scott Chandler/UCLA). Hes an All-American and a guy thats going to play in the NBA for 10-12 years, so its not a surprise, UCLA coach Mick Cronin said. The third-generation basketball legacy of UCLA's Gabriela and Jaime 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. 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(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. Receive updates on the latest issues of Coast Monthly. A lot of people get lost in that. Hes an All-American and a guy thats going to play in the NBA for 10-12 years, so its not a surprise, UCLA coach Mick Cronin said. Marcus Sasser (Houston) When youre growing up in Southern California, you quickly learn that its the best institution for basketball that you could go to. Were not into moral victories but really, really proud of the way they played today, Utah coach Craig Smith said. 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). My dad (Jaime Sr.) taught me about John Wooden. But he still laments the game's old rules. All for just $15 (U.P. But that he left it in a better place from where he found it. 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. Im all in on the Dodgers. Be aware. Clear skies. Its such a great country. 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. I can tell you this much, I can be a winner for your organization. (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. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward led his team in scoring and rebounding as the fourth-ranked . I love cooking up beats on garage band, too. Keep posts to 75 words or less. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward led his team in scoring and rebounding as the fourth-ranked Bruins captured their first outright regular-season Pac-12 title since 2013. Be truthful. UCLA - UNC: Jaime Jaquez Jr. day-to-day for Sweet 16 All rights reserved. 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. The list includes Gonzaga's Drew Timme, Arizona's Azuolas Tubelis, Purdue's Zach Edey, Alabama's Brandon Miller, UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe, who won the award in 2022. The Weeknd. 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. It wasnt like the 6-foot-7 freshman was a top-50 recruit who was a guaranteed star. If I was an NBA scout and I asked you what you will bring to an organization at the next level, whats your answer? 22d; 0:21. Jaime Jaquez, Jr. goes up for a dunk at a spring tournament in California. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. (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. A few years ago, she returned to Mexico and held a massive reception for her family. "It was basketball and life goals. Ive gotten a lot of opportunities. The Bruins (25-8) upset No. Last time I was there, I went for a cousins wedding. 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. Jaime Jaquez Jr. makes a nice move for the layup. Tyler Kolek (Marquette) There is a Jaquez family rule: no matter who plays, or where they play, a member of the family is in the stands. But the . Bar none. "Jaime is a big-time player. The massive early run and all those turnovers UCLA forced were not going to lead to the easy evening the Bruins once envisioned. In high school, I could do whatever I wanted. A lot of people in Mexico would love to see someone else in the NBA. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these, MLB 26-and-under power rankings: No. 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. Final Four: UCLA's Jquez Jr. playing for Mexican, American heritages Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. I cant eat it like that anymore. Basketball highlights are the norm for the Jaquez family. Stanfords first nine possessions ended in futile fashion. Were not into moral victories but really, really proud of the way they played today, Utah coach Craig Smith said. UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. Presents 'Versatile' Challenge for Kentucky 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. Receive special offers from The Daily News and select partners including discounts, contests and more. Scouting report: No. 8 Arizona Wildcats at No. 4 UCLA Bruins 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. 49.2k Followers, 977 Following, 103 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Jaime Jaquez Jr (@trippplej) Hes going to learn. and stay on topic. Jaquez finished with 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting to help UCLA (6-2 overall, 1-0 Pac-12) make 59.3% of its shots and withstand a slipshod second half in which it committed 13 turnovers, Bruins fans finally exhaling with an eight-clap with about 11/2 minutes left. Gabriela Jaquez, Jaime's younger sister, is an incoming freshman on the UCLA women's basketball team who was the No. But Jaquez came up with baskets when the Bruins needed them most. Whats the best piece of advice you have ever gotten? 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. It was right by my house growing up so that made it convenient. Why UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. is in race for Pac-12 player of year Shes very different from me off the court. Shes very sassy and thinks shes No. Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana) Week 4.5: Andrew Platek let me down and he doesn't even play for UNC This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. She cares only about what it's going to take for our team to win.". The projected All-American (17.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG) this season has already led the Bruins to the top of the Pac-12 and has them well-positioned to make up for the loss to North Carolina in the Sweet 16 a year ago. I think of all of the AAU games and practices they drove me to throughout California, and all of the hours they put in. Plain and simple, if you want to win, thats what I can do. Its eye-opening for a lot of people and I know how much it means to Mexico to see the growth in basketball. 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 "When we need a bucket, it's pretty simple where we go. Kris Murray (Iowa) 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. I love my friends. It was a layup drill.. Ive been learning a lot, and theres still a lot to learn, she said. Thats what we got in mind, Jacquez said. Mar 4, 2023 Updated 6 min ago. Hes an everyday guy, thats why. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah guard Marco Anthony looks to pass the ball as UCLA guard Jaylen Clark defends during the second half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. The Bruins held a 50-29 halftime lead after shooting 62.9% to Stanfords 43.5% and forcing nine Cardinal turnovers. 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. "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. Low 64F. Jaquez Jr. and Tubelis are the only Pac-12 student-athletes on the list of 15 players. Receive an email notification each time resident weather expert Stan Blazyk writes a new article. 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. 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. (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. Start your 2023 wellness journey with insurance, (Godofredo A. Vsquez / Associated Press). Through group texts, it is collectively decided who will attend which game and when. Ive learned more about being a consumer and what it means to sell to people. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Thats something I dont ever forget and wont ever forget. UCLA is sixth in the Pac-12 in rebounding with 32.7 rebounds. "The whole community, because they have their friends, they played with them on our team. But they'll see them in between visits, too. He's an . 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. He wore ripped jeans and a flannel shirt, and plopped down in the front row as fans whispered to one another about him. names allowed. (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. I was just waiting for an opportunity. ARIZONA. 2023 College Basketball Power Rankings: Which teams can take advantage of the chaos? Invalid password or account does not exist. I still go out and golf. We have a good team capable of winning games.. Jaquez Jr. and the Bruins (25-4, 16-2 Pac-12) clinched the Pac-12 Conference's regular-season title in outright fashion last Sunday afternoon with a 60-56 win at Colorado. Internet forum rules LOS ANGELES -- Gabriela Jaquez's biggest fan entered Pauley Pavilion on a Saturday afternoon with a couple of his buddies. It was Thanksgiving week of 2019, and the UCLA Bruins were at the Maui Invitational in Mick Cronins first season. Gabriela added, "We'll learn from it. "I just wanted to make sure that they won first and I wanted them to go through the steps," he said. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Ezequiel would go on to play basketball at Ventura Community College before transferring to Northern Arizona. National championship. Jalen Pickett (Penn State) He wants to be known as a Bruins legend first. Low 64F. 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. Utah center Branden Carlson (35) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Adem Bona (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, in Salt Lake City. It was a heck of an effort. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against Utah on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. 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. He's now amidst another strong start, keeping UCLA as a perennial contender in the Pac-12. The two played all four years at Camarillo High School. I feel like my teammates believe in me.. Hes the one who makes all of that happen. "If we would have had a 3-point line, I would have scored a lot more," he quipped. Oh no, I had to retire it. His play in recent weeks has enhanced his legacy on a team with national championship aspirations. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger). UCLA Bruins guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (4) pose for a picture after the UCLA Bruins beat the Michigan Wolverines in the Elite Eight of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. With Jaime having two home games, Gabriela at the Pac-12 tournament in Las Vegas and younger brother Marcos, a Camarillo High School basketball team senior, it has been another busy week of travel for the Jaquez family. I think it would be eye-opening for people in Mexico to understand that if you follow your dream, it can happen. 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. 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. If I was going to go there for school, it meant that we would have to make results happen in March. 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. The game did not appear headed for a dramatic finish given its lopsided start. Jaime Jr. said he tells his sister. They were some things tonight hes got to do better, but he really sparked us on the offensive end, Smith said. Well, growing up I played football, soccer, golf, baseball and basketball. How to pronounce jaquez | HowToPronounce.com Bro, Im a five-sport athlete now! Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward led his team in scoring and . Low 64F. ICYMI also features select historical content. Jaime Jaquez Jr. sinks bucket at end of the first half. 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. A couple of hours later, Jaime had 14 points and seven rebounds in UCLAs victory over Sacramento State. I played first base and was a pitcher, too. 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. Jaime Jr. and Gabriela still return to Camarillo during the season. Its a pretty cool deal, Jaime said. "He's become an elite scorer in college basketball," UCLA men's head coach Mick Cronin said. We'll get there.". $18) with no contract. (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. The Bruins are 16-0 on their home court. Ball security is massive for us. 24. Well eat and talk about the game. FILE - UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (24) is defended by Stanford forwards Maxime Raynaud (42) and Harrison Ingram (55) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Los Angeles. (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. 4 UCLA to Host Arizona State on Thursday Evening. What has allowed you guys to win six straight games and have a 23-4 record on the season? Jaime Jaquez Jr. exerts his authority as UCLA earns its ninth consecutive win Kirill Kaprizov scores twice as Wild slip past Canucks 2-1 Warriors third-quarter outburst leads to key win over Clippers Cronin said Will McClendon, a redshirt freshman guard who sat out last season with a knee injury, could make his college debut Sunday against Oregon, giving the Bruins another option. The Utes played without their starting backcourt of Rollie Worster and Gabe Madsen, who are both injured. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyger Campbell step . Jaime Jaquez Jr. helps No. 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. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. PHILADELPHIA -- UCLA star forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. remains day-to-day with a sprained right ankle and will attempt to play in the No. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. How did you fall in love with basketball? He covers the sport in a variety of capacities, from calling games on FS1 to serving as lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network to providing commentary on The Field of 68 Media Network. Jaime Jaquez Jr. burned the Buffaloes for 23 points and 13 rebounds earlier this season. She is third on the team in 3-point accuracy at 36%. All rights reserved. Theres never a moment where Tyger isnt setting his teammates up for success. Were not into moral victories but really, really proud of the way they played today, Utah coach Craig Smith said. 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. UCLA: The Bruins took what the Utes gave them, so they consistently scored from the mid-range. 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. I would say mission accomplished. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyger Campbell step it up as No. 4 UCLA holds off Utah Mata has mentored Jquez Jr., who said Mata . Hours earlier, Jaime Jr. had scored in double figures, on the same court, also in front of his family. I usually go once or twice a year. The next day against Michigan State in the final game of the tournament, the Camarillo, California native got his first career start.