The 2026 WNBA draft witnessed history as UCLA clinched a record number of first-round picks with five player selections. More importantly, the program had two of the top five picks in the league, showcasing their dominance in the NCAAW tournament. Lauren Betts was the program’s top pick, followed by Gabriela Jaquez.
As the fifth overall pick, the Chicago Sky selected the forward, which was also a huge moment for the Latino community, with very few representatives from the culture breaking into the WNBA. The 22-year-old star was grateful for the opportunity.
Gabriela Jaquez Grateful to Represent the Latino Community in the WNBA
Famous for her tenacity and scoring ability, the Mexican star earned high praise during her time at the UCLA program. In her final season, the player averaged 13.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, shooting 53.9% from the field. While she played a crucial role in UCLA’s first-ever championship, it was a monumental moment for the Latino community, too.
Facing similar questions in the WNBA, Jacquez said, “Yeah, I am really thankful that my brother and I can represent the whole Latino community. Obviously, being of Mexican descent, it’s really important for us to share our culture.”
Gabriela Jaquez on what it means to represent the Latino community in the @WNBA 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/UZvrvOo5H7
— Sportico (@Sportico) April 14, 2026
“All these records are great, but for me, I am just really excited for this new opportunity to play in the WNBA, obviously with the Chicago Sky, its gonna be a lot of fun,” she added.
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Her brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr., also played for UCLA and reached the Elite Eight of the competition, and currently plays for the Miami Heat in the NBA. The star also congratulated his sister on the WNBA Selection, who will be looking to take the bottom side to playoff contention.
Gabriela Jaquez Could Ignite Chicago Sky’s Offensive Firepower
The fifth overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft could be the critical missing piece to revitalize a Chicago Sky team that struggled through a dismal 2025 campaign. The NCAA national champion brings a “winner’s mentality” and a versatile skill set that directly addresses the Sky’s most glaring previous weaknesses: lack of outside shooting, stagnant offensive flow, and inconsistent perimeter defense.
In 2025, the Sky finished near the bottom of the league in offensive rating and points per game, largely due to a lack of spacing and reliable perimeter threats. Jaquez shot a career-high 39% from three-point range and 53.9% from the field as a senior, providing the gravity needed to open the floor for Chicago’s newly revamped roster.
Gabriela Jaquez is a two-way player that can knock down the long-range jumper and cause havoc on defense 💥
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 12, 2026
Follow her next steps in the #WNBADraft presented by @StateStreetIM SPY.
📺 Monday at 7pm/ET on ESPN pic.twitter.com/h1huBbPzQX
Her presence as a lethal spot-up shooter will draw defenders away from the paint, creating more room for high-level passers like Skylar Diggins to operate and preventing opposing defenses from easily double-teaming interior scorers.
While fans were confused over The Chicago Sky’s free agency additions post Angel Reese trade, Jaquez would be the ‘x-factor’ for the side taking the side to new highs.