UCLA star Gabriela Jaquez boosted her WNBA draft stock during this year's NCAA women's championship run, emerging as a projected first-round pick after the Bruins won the 2026 title.
The senior guard delivered one of the most complete performances in Sunday's championship. She finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and a steal in UCLA's 79-51 blowout win over South Carolina. Jaquez impacted both ends of the floor, helping the Bruins take control early and maintain it.
The performance reinforced what scouts have been saying throughout the NCAA season. Jaquez is now projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, with most analysts placing her in the middle of the round.
Her value comes from versatility. At 6-foot, Jaquez plays across the wing, defending multiple positions while contributing as a rebounder and secondary playmaker. She doesn't need high volume to produce, growing into a full-time starter on a team that finished 37-1 and won the Big Ten title before its championship run.
Meanwhile, her efficiency stands out. Jaquez has shot above 60% on two-point attempts and over 40% from three during her senior season, giving her a reliable scoring profile to match her defensive impact.
"This has been a dream of hers for so long, ever since the third grade," Jaquez's brother, Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., told ESPN. "Now she's here living her dream."
Jaquez's game should translate, as WNBA teams prioritize wings who defend, space the floor, and play within structure.
Is Gabriela Jaquez Declaring for the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled to take place April 13th. Jaquez enters the process coming off a national title and her most impactful stretch of the season.
