Having a lottery pick in the WNBA Draft comes with immense pressure and scrutiny -- pressures that are only amplified when you represent a franchise as heavily criticised as the Chicago Sky. Even with the intense spotlight bearing down on him, Jeff Pagliocca utilised the fifth overall pick in a way that no expert or analyst had envisaged by selecting UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez -- a decision that is already paying dividends.
Chicago all but confirmed the beginning of a new era in 'The Windy City' by trading Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream and recruiting several veteran stars that will allow Kamilla Cardoso to thrive. Questions were raised over an approach that signalled a championship tilt when other franchises, such as the Las Vegas Aces, were better positioned to do so.
The Sky's ambitions appeared murkier as they opted to select a player who was not considered a high priority by many teams throughout the draft process. However, while Gabriela Jaquez's talent was clearly underappreciated, it was her versatility and fit that intrigued Chicago the most. Now, nobody can question the front office's selection.
Gabriela Jaquez has started her rookie year in scintillating form
Fresh off a National Championship triumph, the confidence is clearly coursing through the veins of Gabriela Jaquez. Nevertheless, regardless of a rookie’s talent or potential, players making the jump from college are typically afforded a transitional period as they adjust to the demands of the WNBA. The Chicago Sky's youthful guard has proven that this does not always have to be the case.
The 22-year-old has been thrown into the starting lineup in all four of her appearances so far this season and has shown few signs of fear. Jaquez is averaging 12.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while shooting a highly efficient 53.5% from the floor.
Jaquez recorded a career-high performance during Chicago's 86-79 victory over the Minnesota Lynx -- registering 20 points and eight rebounds on 6-for-11 shooting in 32 minutes of action. Her standout moment of the night came in the fourth quarter, when Jaquez buried a clutch shot from deep to swing the momentum in the Sky’s favour and seal their third victory of the season.
Much of the narrative surrounding Gabriela Jaquez during the draft process centred on how her performances throughout UCLA's historic NCAA Tournament run had cemented her status as a top-10 prospect -- though few anticipated she would eventually rise into the top five.
Ultimately, the Chicago Sky had a vision of the roster they wanted to create this season, and Jaquez's versatility and shotmaking talent made her an essential acquisition. Not only is she already repaying the faith that Jeff Pagliocca bestowed upon her, but Jaquez has propelled herself into early conversations about the prestigious Rookie of the Year award.
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