By Jorge Hernandez
The WNBA lived a historic moment for Mexican sports: Gabriela Jaquez She was selected by Chicago Sky in the 2026 Draft, consolidating an unprecedented achievement with her brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr.Miami Heat player, because with this both of them become the first Mexican brother duo to play in the WNBA and NBAmarking a milestone for the basketball Aztec.
Born in California, but with family roots in Zapotlanejo, Jalisco, the Jáquez represent Mexico at the highest level of international basketball and have become a reference for new generations.
A historic night in the WNBA Draft
The choice of Gabriela Jaquez in the fifth position in the WNBA Draft confirms her rise as one of the great promises of women’s basketball. This achievement also surpasses the position of his brother, selected at number 18 in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Jaime Jr. could not be present in New York due to his commitment to the Miami Heat play-in game in Charlotte, but he experienced the moment on a video call with his family, sharing the excitement of the selection.
“Mom, we did it!”Jaime Jr. published on Instagram after his sister’s election.
Gabriela Jáquez shines in the NCAA before reaching the WNBA
The 22-year-old player arrives at WNBA after an outstanding performance in the NCAA March Insanitywhere she was a key player in UCLA Bruins women’s basketball winning its first championship since 1978.
“I’m very excited to be here. It’s something incredible. I always had the dream of going to UCLA and reaching the WNBA, and being able to fulfill it means everything,” said Jáquez after being selected.
Her performance in the NCAA consolidated her profile as one of the most promising players in American college basketball and an emerging figure of international women’s basketball.
A historic family legacy between the NBA and WNBA
The case of the Jáquez brothers joins other pairs of brothers who have coincided in the NBA and the WNBAlike the McConnells, Reese, Coffey and Williams.
However, Gabriela and Jaime Jáquez Jr. make history by becoming the first duo of Mexican brothers in reaching both leagues, a fact that drives the growth of the mexican basketball at a global level.
Continue reading:
· Jáquez family bursts with emotion after UCLA title: pride, tears and historic achievement
· Gabriela Jáquez gives the game of her life and UCLA wins its historic first title
· Spanish and Mexican guide UCLA to its first college basketball final
