National championship. "I just told her there's going to be highs, there's going to be lows, but as long as you just persevere and understand this is all a part of your journey and take it as that, because I believe everything happens for a reason. Whats the best piece of advice you have ever gotten? "She's doing a great job," Jaime . A couple of hours later, Jaime had 14 points and seven rebounds in UCLAs victory over Sacramento State. It was incredible. Lets turn to your classmate and point guard, Tyger Campbell (12.2 PPG, 4.8 APG). 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. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. The Wildcats are 14-5 in Pac-12 play. But his focus was solely on the freshman forward on the floor for UCLA. Jaime Jaquez Jr. eyes hoop dreams at UCLA, Mexico, PanAms - ESPN.com Clark and senior forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. tried to recall who was on that team. Hours earlier, Jaime Jr. had scored in double figures, on the same court, also in front of his family. 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. Ive learned more about being a consumer and what it means to sell to people. Ezequiel's parents didn't know much about basketball after they emigrated from Mexico and moved to Oxnard, California, when their son was a child. It was a layup drill.. I feel like every time Im on the floor, I keep smiling and am so happy to be playing with these guys," said Jaquez, who is averaging 17.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. 21 UCLA open up Pac-12 play with an 80-66 win over Stanford on Thursday in Palo Alto. If I was going to go there for school, it meant that we would have to make results happen in March. Theres never a moment where Tyger isnt setting his teammates up for success. He's now amidst another strong start, keeping UCLA as a perennial contender in the Pac-12. Only a few seconds after tipoff, UCLAs Jaylen Clark double-teamed Brandon Ingram, the extra help confounding the Stanford forward and forcing a traveling violation. John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports. Let me put it this way: I didnt bet on UCLA. I usually go once or twice a year. Ive been able to learn a lot during this time. But the Jaquez family's only former McDonald's All-American, and its most competitive member, didn't seem to notice her brother's reaction or that of her family sitting in the stands, and jumped back on defense. Receive email alerts anytime there is breaking news or a severe weather alert. The decision made waves within the Jaquez family, who still have roots in Mexico, including relatives living in Guadalajara. Because of the way he pushes us and works for our success, it makes you want to play even harder for him. (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. 2023 Oscar Robertson Trophy, late season watch list Jaime Jaquez Jr. #4 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after getting fouled with Johnny Juzang of the UCLA Bruins during the second half against the Marquette. 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. Receive special offers from The Daily News and select partners including discounts, contests and more. LAS VEGAS (AP) Charlisse Leger-Walker scored 15 points and seventh-seeded Washington State stunned No. Now were selling out games.. Jaime Jaquez Jr. 2022 NCAA tournament highlights - YouTube Maxx Flash Deal: Get 100GB, unlimited local outgoing calls and 2GB Roaming Data. National championship. It was right by my house growing up so that made it convenient. Population Growth by County, 2000-2007. "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. I was a left-handed hitter, but I threw right. "If we would have had a 3-point line, I would have scored a lot more," he quipped. Jaime Jaquez Jr (@jaquez_jr) / Twitter Jaquez siblings helping UCLA men, women succeed on court (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. UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. (24) drives between Arizona's Oumar Ballo, left, and Arizona's Pelle Larsson (3) during the Pac-12 tournament championship game on March 12 in Las Vegas. It has been a great season so far for No. Your first road game is your scariest road game, especially with all our freshmen, UCLA coach Mick Cronin said, so I was really happy with the way we started out and we rode that the rest of the way.. "And I started to appreciate it a lot more.". ICYMI is a weekly newsletter highlighting stories from the past week. Clear skies. I loved how creative you could get with it. To this day, most of her children and grandchildren live in Camarillo. The first word I want them to say is "legacy." 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. Start your 2023 wellness journey with insurance, (Godofredo A. Vsquez / Associated Press). 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. Low 64F. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. But he can do it.". I had to get the loaded griller. If you didnt play basketball what would you do? March 02, 2023, INDIANAPOLIS UCLA senior Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been selected as one of 15 top players to the late season watch list for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, which is annually awarded to the nation's most outstanding men's college basketball player by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). 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. All rights reserved. Receive Laura Elder's Biz Buzz direct to your inbox every Sunday. Since the 1958-59 college basketball season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. We grew up in a small community that was really close-knit. LOS ANGELES For the briefest of moments as he dribbled on the wing, UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. saw an opening. ICYMI is a weekly newsletter highlighting stories from the past week. "The whole community, because they have their friends, they played with them on our team. The stars were Shabazz Muhammad, Larry Drew II and Kyle Anderson, the Bruins edging Oregon by one game in the conference standings. 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. 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. 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 blocked shots from Branden Carlson and Keba Keita. Jaquez leads the Bruins with 7.9 boards. 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. Without their guards, Saunders was a pleasant surprise, but it didnt matter because UCLA shot so well early and held Carlson in check. 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. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to read or post comments. "We're both competitive," Jaime Jr. said to ESPN of his sister's reaction to what she considered a disappointing performance, despite also picking up nine rebounds. To be on the mound where legends have been and do that was so, so cool. Were not into moral victories but really, really proud of the way they played today, Utah coach Craig Smith said. Jaime loves UCLA and has been a mentor for my daughter to show whats required of being a student. Be brief. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. 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. Follow him on Twitter @John_Fanta. Jaquez thinks this team can go even further. ICYMI also features select historical content. Its extremely busy, but were proud of all of them, Jaime Sr. said. The game did not appear headed for a dramatic finish given its lopsided start. Having a little sister around, you dont really appreciate that when youre in high school. Receive the most recent obituaries every afternoon. That, or the nachos supreme was my order. It was Thanksgiving week of 2019, and the UCLA Bruins were at the Maui Invitational in Mick Cronins first season. Kendric Davis (Memphis) But Jaquez came up with baskets when the Bruins needed them most. Alright, speaking of music, whats the best concert youve ever been to? Without their guards, Saunders was a pleasant surprise, but it didnt matter because UCLA shot so well early and held Carlson in check. Arizona State takes road win streak into matchup with No. 4 UCLA My guys have faith in me that Im going to make the right play every time down the stretch.. I am his little sister. A lot of us are rushing and want to make the extra pass, especially for me. They were some things tonight hes got to do better, but he really sparked us on the offensive end, Smith said. (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 the latest Dear Abby column in your inbox each morning. Every Sunday, she cooks a large meal for her family, who pop in and out to say hello and eat. Although, Id head back there if they want to do an NIL deal (laughs). The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. I was born in Irvine, and we moved to Camarillo when I was 8 years old. No. Use the "Report" link on I would say mission accomplished. Marcus Sasser (Houston) What would be your emotions if you brought home UCLAs first national championship since 1995? Bro, Im a five-sport athlete now! I couldnt ask for two better parents. In all seriousness, I played basketball and baseball in high school, but Ive continued to play soccer, and golf, and Ill go out and throw a football every now and then. Freshman guard Amari Bailey added 19 points and senior guard Tyger Campbell . All rights reserved. I was just waiting for an opportunity. You talk about your dad showing you what UCLA was all about. With the exception of Senior Night later that season, he's been there ever since. What has made the year even more enjoyable is that he isnt the only Jaquez making an impact on the court. A few years ago, she returned to Mexico and held a massive reception for her family. "When I was really young, I just thought everyone comes to your games and supports [you], but then as I got older, I realized that's not the case for everybody," Jaime Jr. said. 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. (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. Jaquez's ankle has been the biggest storyline heading into Friday's matchup, and Bruins coach Mick Cronin says he is 'going to try'. Limited time only! Be aware. Guest commentary: End of Texas' open beaches might be near, Long-voyage Carnival ship to sail from Galveston, New Port Bolivar-Galveston ferry to shore up aged fleet, Man slain in League City a longtime teacher, coach, Second store in Galveston County enters fights against opioid overdoses, Galveston police reviewing whether patrol unit hit crash victim, Biz Buzz: Main St. I think for us, we can win a game in different ways and thats why were confident we can beat anyone. Were moving a lot faster up and down the floor. He committed to UCLA in 2018 when the program was at one of its lowest points after firing Steve Alford less than a week before the start of conference play. 4 UCLA to a 78-71 win over Utah. Ive been learning a lot, and theres still a lot to learn, she said. UCLA Jaquez Family Basketball | Sports | newspressnow.com The Bruins are 16-0 on their home court. Armando Bacot (North Carolina) I remember I was very young. I played first base and was a pitcher, too. UCLA: The Bruins took what the Utes gave them, so they consistently scored from the mid-range. The deal is perhaps the biggest expression of the Jaquez's legacy. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been named a first-team preseason All-American in the Field of 68's Almanac, among the most comprehensive guides to the college hoops season. Cronin blamed himself for his teams second-half letdown, saying he should have played his reserves more to keep his starters fresh and the intensity level as high as it was early in the game. Gabriela said having her older brother around has made adjusting to college easier. Gabriela Jaquez, Jaime's younger sister, is an incoming freshman on the UCLA women's basketball team who was the No. The weekly shuffle also comes with balancing the highs and lows competing inevitably brings -- like celebrating Jaime Jr.'s excellent performance against Denver and consoling Gabriela hours later. Going into Saturdays regular-season finale against No. 8 Arizona on Saturday Night, No. This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Green counties grew faster than the national average, while purple counties grew more slowly or, in a few cases, lost population. (AP Photo/Jeff Swinger), Utah center Branden Carlson, right, grabs for a rebound in front of UCLA forward Adem Bona during the first half on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. We did it growing up on the pavement in the neighborhood. There is a Jaquez family rule: no matter who plays, or where they play, a member of the family is in the stands. 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. Subscribe to Email Newsletters And Breaking News Alerts, Jan Kim Lim - handout one time use, UCLA Athletics, Ringo H.W. 6 Stanford 69-65 in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals, https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball, https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll, Guest commentary: End of Texas' open beaches might be near, Long-voyage Carnival ship to sail from Galveston, New Port Bolivar-Galveston ferry to shore up aged fleet, Man slain in League City a longtime teacher, coach, Second store in Galveston County enters fights against opioid overdoses, Galveston police reviewing whether patrol unit hit crash victim, Biz Buzz: Main St.