UCLA stars Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Gabriela Jaquez share lessons with kids close to home
The siblings recently hosted a summer camp for about 180 participants ages 6 to 16 at the Sports Academy facilities in Thousand Oaks. The three-hour camp aimed to promote basketball skills, discipline and a passion for the sport among children and teens. Some participants traveled from other states to attend the camp.
'It's good to come back and give something back to the community, especially in a place where we grew up. Being able to do this is special,' said Jaime, who grew up in Camarillo, shone for four years at UCLA and has represented Mexico in international tournaments.
During the event, Jaime recalled his childhood playing basketball 'from dawn to dusk' on the local courts in his hometown.
The camp was also a source of inspiration for families.
'It's exciting to see Latino players succeed, one in the NBA and another possibly in the WNBA,' said Armando Castillas of Oxnard, who attended the camp with his children, Logan, 6, and Emma, 10.
In addition to leading the camp, the Jaquez siblings are focused on their upcoming professional challenges.
Jaime is looking for a season of redemption after a difficult year with the Heat, having been named to the all-rookie team 2023–24.
'It has always been my goal to win championships,' said Jaime, who noted that he preferred to focus entirely on improving with the Heat before making any commitments to the Mexican national team.
For her part, Gabriela recently returned from competing in the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Chile with the Mexican national team. In the tournament, Mexico faced the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Chile, and the Dominican Republic. Gabriela averaged 12 points per game, ranking as the 10th-best scorer in the tournament, and was recognized as the Rising Star of the competition. She had previously played for Mexico, which also helped her adapt to FIBA's physical style of play and perform better with UCLA.
'It was an excellent opportunity. Playing at that level helped me a lot, especially physically,' said the 6-foot guard, who looks forward to her third season with the Bruins.
'I'm extremely proud to see her play for Mexico. I hope she can continue on that path and keep growing,' Jaime said of his sister.
Both players are now preparing for their respective seasons with clear goals: Jaime is looking to take the Heat further in the playoffs, while Gabriela has her sights set on a national championship with UCLA.
'The goal is to win championships with UCLA,' Gabriela said. 'We've already made it to the Final Four, and I think we have the talent to go even further.'
This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
15 minutes ago
- USA Today
Jalen Hurts finds time for reflection and renewed self-confidence
Very rarely will you hear Jalen Hurts talk this much about anything. Confidence as described by #Eagles QB Jalen Hurts.. How can you not love this guy? Sometimes, there is this urge to pick on Philadelphia Eagles fans and the local media. Maybe not all of them, but some of them can undoubtedly get that smoke. Not everyone is guilty of this, but this has to be said. Remember when Donovan McNabb played that 'air guitar' on his way to the field in his final appearance with the franchise? Remember how annoyed everyone was. That same contingent that criticized him is the same collective that criticizes Jalen Hurts for his stoicism. What more do people want? This is a guy who has crafted a 46-20 regular-season record while winning six of his nine postseason starts. This is also the guy who outplayed Patrick Mahomes on the game's biggest stage twice, winning one of those Super Bowls by a landslide. There comes a time when one comes to grips with the truth. Jalen Hurts could win three more Super Bowls. People will still complain. Sure, we realize some of these theories come from the national media as well, but fortunately, Hurts "had a purpose before anyone had an opinion". Yes... Take that, haters! Jalen Hurts opens up and shares the source of some newfound confidence Jalen Hurts was truly built for a city like Philadelphia. While others shrink under the pressure, he thrives in it. All the while, he remains humble while 'keeping the main thing the main thing'. This is a guy who was chosen by the greatest NBA player of all time, Michael Jordan, to be the NFL's ambassador of one of the world's top athletic brands. Most guys would do anything to play at one of college football's most iconic programs. Jalen Hurts has played for two of them. Kudos to this guy for remaining level-headed. We've never been part of a Super Bowl-winning roster, but we imagine it's pretty cool. On whether that has led to a confidence boost, Hurts offered the following response. Hurts may sound like someone with 40 years of life experiences to share, but he is still 27 years old. Think about that for a second. His story is still being written. His legacy is still being defined. Perhaps rather than complain, if some of you take some time to sit back and enjoy this, you may discover that you are enjoying the ride.
Newsweek
16 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Bryson DeChambeau Admits Underestimating Jon Rahm After LIV Golf Showdown
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jon Rahm nearly clinched victory at LIV Golf Chicago last weekend, falling just one stroke short in a three-man playoff against Dean Burmester. The Spanish star fired a final-round 69 to finish at 9-under, tied with fellow countryman Josele Ballester, while Burmester clinched the win with a clutch birdie on the 18th. With nearly 40 days remaining until the Ryder Cup, Rahm's form couldn't be peaking at a better moment. He currently sits second in the LIV Golf individual standings with 196.16 points, trailing only Joaquin Nieman. Though Rahm hasn't claimed a LIV title this year, his consistency has been remarkable. The Legion XIII captain has 13 top-10 finishes. But not everyone saw this coming. As LIV Golf shifts to Indianapolis for its season finale at The Club at Chatham Hills, Bryson DeChambeau offered a candid admission about misjudging Rahm's dominance. WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA - AUGUST 16: Jon Rahm of Spain hand shakes Bryson DeChambeau of the United States after finishing the 18th hole during day one of LIV Golf: Greenbrier at The Old... WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA - AUGUST 16: Jon Rahm of Spain hand shakes Bryson DeChambeau of the United States after finishing the 18th hole during day one of LIV Golf: Greenbrier at The Old White Course on August 16, 2024 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. (Photo by) More "I kicked him out in Dallas, I remember doing that, so I was like, yes, not a top 10," DeChambeau shared with a grin during the Wednesday conference. "But his feat of not finishing outside 11th place his entire career is quite honestly one of the best feats I've seen in a long time." DeChambeau, currently third in the LIV Golf standings, has had a strong season himself, winning in Korea and posting 11 top-10 finishes. Yet he acknowledged that chasing Rahm and Niemann has felt like a losing battle. "I've played some solid golf, not my best, but really solid, and I've got no chance to win," he stated during the same conference. "It's really impressive. The level of competition they (Jon Rahm & Co.) bring to LIV is out of control." The "Break 50" YouTuber also acknowledged Niemann's dominance, highlighting his five wins but reserved special admiration for Rahm's relentless consistency. "What they're doing is great for LIV, it's great for golf," he expressed during the pre-tournament conference. "And honestly, I think whoever wins... it's going to be an awesome feat and a historical year for either one of those individuals." As the Saudi-backed club's final regular-season event begins Friday, Rahm and Niemann will battle for the individual title, while DeChambeau eyes a podium finish. More Golf: Paige Spiranac Makes Emotions Clear Amid Tommy Fleetwood's All-Class Moment
NBC Sports
an hour ago
- NBC Sports
New Number, New Mindset, New Chapter: How Jaren Jackson Jr. is leading the Grizzlies forward
The past year was inarguably tumultuous for the Memphis Grizzlies. With just nine games remaining in the regular season, the team fired head coach Taylor Jenkins. Ja Morant missed significant time due to injury, the Grizzlies were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Thunder, and Desmond Bane was traded in June. Two-time NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. is ready for a fresh start. The versatile power forward, who signed a five-year contract extension with Memphis in July, has been with the team since he was drafted fourth overall in 2018 — making him the longest tenured player on the Grizzlies roster. As he enters his eighth year with the team, Jackson Jr. is embracing a new beginning — symbolized by a jersey change. He'll wear number 8 this season, a tribute to his father Jaren Jackson Sr., who played 12 years in the NBA, and an homage to a deeper source — one that fuels his every move both on and off the court. In the conversation below, the Grizzlies veteran reveals what he learned from this past season, the deeper meaning behind the No. 8, and the lesson from his father that's left a lasting impact on his journey. Jackson Jr. also gives a preview of what approach the Grizzlies are taking as they head into the new season, and shares what he wants the franchise to be known for. *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Mary Omatiga: You've had a few months to step back and reflect. What did this past season teach you? Jaren Jackson Jr.: I think you're always supposed to stay level through a season. There's going to be ups and downs, but it's important to keep it [level]. That's something that Des [Desmond Bane] would talk about all the time — no ebbs and flows, just constant, steady motion. That's the main thing I learned. We had everything going in the season. We had ups, we had downs, we had some regular, some crazy stuff. I'm going to take all of that into the next season. How about personally? What did it teach you about yourself? Jackson Jr.: X and O-wise, it taught me to deal with double teams better and understand that I'm going to attract a lot of attention — more than I did in previous years. There's no hiding anymore. You're going to get prepared for it in a big way, which is an honor. It's just something I'm learning more [about]. I'm asking the OGs, and asking my dad how to deal with it. I'm watching film with my trainers and my coaches, and just being a sponge more than ever, because at first you're just learning more about what it is to be in the league, but now you're learning other things — you need them. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 27: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 27, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images You're changing jersey numbers this season. What led to this decision, and was it something you'd been thinking about for a while? Jackson Jr.: It's interesting. I don't really make decisions — I don't like mulling over things. I feel like decisions are better flowed, or flowing. I have my best decisions when I'm riding the bike. I ride the bike a lot. This was midseason, I was riding the bike, and I had this idea where I just was connected to eight. I've worn eight before — in the McDonald's game — and my dad has worn it. It gave a new beginnings kind of approach. My energy source of everything when I first got into the league was more [about] proving people wrong. Now it's just about discipline. Now it's about habits. I think that's a much more sustainable energy source. I think discipline is really going to be the thing that takes you to that next level. I'm just really attracted to that, and that's a new beginning in itself. It's something me and my dad both share, and it all fits. When I had the idea, it honestly didn't take me long to communicate that I'm changing [my number]. When I told my family, I told them that I had changed it — I didn't tell them that I was thinking about it. I wanted to be all me, all on my own. What did the No. 13 represent for you, and what does the No. 8 represent for you now? Jackson Jr.: When I picked 13, people were like, 'No, don't pick 13. " I was like, well, because you said no, now I'm going to pick it. I wanted to make it my own. It's not bad luck if you flip it. That was my goal. Eight just means a new beginning — a fresh start, a fresh mindset — which I feel like I've been on for a while, but I feel like this symbolizes it. Practice what you preach. New beginnings. Born again. This is the path we're on, and it makes sense. I'm going to year eight. My dad wore eight. It just kind of fits. It was always meant to be this, for real. Earlier, you mentioned 'energy source'. Can you talk about how this has impacted your motivation? Jackson Jr.: I feel like I don't really need any extra motivation, but if you're going to change your life around, you never want to get caught saying that you'll change it around a second time — because that just means you didn't change it the first time. It kind of puts it on front street, like, look, you have to practice what you preach a little bit and just be committed. It's nothing to do with on the court — I know I'm going to work hard — but it's just more about doing it every day and not missing anything. Just really being that disciplined. I get that you might have to take a day off here and there, and I know I don't always do the best with taking those. I probably need to do a better job of actively taking vacations, because that's important to actually recover. There are times I might go a little hard, but it depends on how you look at it. It depends on who you are. But it's about just being more committed to yourself and signing that contract with yourself. MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) Your dad wore the number eight when he played for the Clippers. What was his reaction when you told him? Jackson Jr.: Honestly, he was probably a little thrown off. He wore a lot of numbers, so he was probably like, 'Umm, okay... like, why?' at first. And I understood that — it kind of came out of nowhere. But he loves it. In the grand scheme, it looks nice. I called everybody and showed them the jersey, so they could really see it, and they were like, 'Oh, okay, I get it now,' and I'm like, Y'all don't even know. But you know, it was dope to see. OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 6: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies and former NBA player Jaren Jackson Sr. talk during the Toronto Raptors practice as part of the 2019 NBA Finals on June 6, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) You've talked a lot about how much your dad means to you. What's one thing you that you can say you learned from him directly? Jackson Jr.: 'The journey is success.' It's a phrase that's on his business card. As a kid, I always thought it was just so basic — I was too young to understand it. But now I get it. The journey is a success in itself. It's about the process. If you just keep making it about the process the whole time, eventually you're going to get to a point where you really fall in love with it — to the point where it doesn't feel like a process. You've been intentional about carving out your own path—something we've seen through your foundation, 'Much Required', inspired by the Bible verse your grandmother always says. What does that saying mean to you today? Jackson Jr.: It was such an important thing for me growing up. That verse has never changed. It's always reared its head almost in an 'I told you so' kind of way, if you ever wanted to forget about it, because there is always much required. I've been given a lot. I've earned a lot. I've been taught a lot. I have a circle of people who consistently want me to be great — from coaches to family, to a bunch of different people, to creatives. I mean, the list goes on. I have a great team, and they know much is required of me. Much is required of them as well, and they do a great job. MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 18: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 18, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) You're entering your eighth season with the Grizzlies. As someone who grew up moving around a lot, what does it mean for you to be able to have this longevity — to be able to call Memphis home? Jackson Jr.: This is a blessing. Not everybody gets this — definitely not with the same team. The average time span of getting out of the league is short. It's probably like three years, maybe even less. So I think anytime I'm able to get to a point where I'm nearing double digits and I'm still on the same team — my teammates have so much trust in me. It's crazy. My GM, my coaches, everybody who's worked with me — we've all worked for this point, and now this is a new base. There's way more to do, but it's a good starting point. What is the identity of this team this year, and is the mindset or purpose different? Jackson Jr.: Just extremely disciplined. I don't know if there's much else to say except that, because I think we want it more than ever. I think you'll hear from us more about that on media day. But that is what we are. We're disciplined now. We've always been disciplined, but now that's just kind of the mantra. DENVER, CO - APRIL 11: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball while Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets plays defense on April 11, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) Can you talk a little bit more about what that discipline looks like? Jackson Jr.: It's a lot of holding each other accountable. You don't have to come in at 6 a.m. to work out. It's not about proving some crazy point about what time you [show up] — it's about doing something every day. If you have to do something with your mind, your body, on the court, off the court — whatever you have to do to be ready to play at seven, you do that. I trust that we're all going to have each other's backs through it. I don't think there's one thing you ever have to work on; I think you work on all things, and then things just mesh. But if we hold each other accountable and have fun while we're doing this —we're older now, we're in a new stage of life, especially for the people who have been with me from the start. We see it. We see what's going on. A lot of people are fathers now. A lot of people are married. A lot of people — their lives have changed. They're different. And that's going to translate on the court, in the locker room, when we need it most, in every way. DETROIT, MI - APRIL 5: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on April 5, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) When people talk about Grizzlies basketball, what do you want them to say about this team in this new chapter? Jackson Jr.: That we bring it every night. That's what I want to be known for. I don't want to be known for anything else... we bring it every night. Kurt Helin,
