UCLA has a very veteran roster this season, featuring eight seniors. Between Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalić, Timea Gardiner, Megan Grant, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, Charlisse Leger-Walker, and Kiki Rice, Cori Close will send a few players to the W. Betts is widely expected to be a top pick in the upcoming draft—whenever that will be, given the current state of the CBA negotiations. Kneepkens, Jaquez, and Rice could also hear their names called in the first round.
Jaquez just showcased that first-round potential with her best game of the season. She recorded 29 points on 10-14 shooting, including five made threes, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in UCLA’s 99-77 win over Tennessee. It marked the third time, Jaquez cracked the 20-point mark.
Jaquez is off to a phenomenal start to her senior season, averaging 15.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1 steal over nine games. Most impressively, she is shooting almost 50% from three on a career-high 3.9 attempts per game. If Jaquez keeps up her good play for the rest of the season, she could leave UCLA as a first-round pick and become a role player in the WNBA.
Several teams could use a player like Jaquez
The 2026 WNBA Draft is still pretty unpredictable. Six players have really separated themselves as the top prospects in the draft: Awa Fam, Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Lauren Betts, Flau’jae Johnson, and Ta’Niya Latson. Gianna Kneepkens, Cotie McMahon, Iyana Martin, and Nell Angloma also look like interesting prospects teams may consider in the first round.
Jaquez may not have the same kind of star potential that players like Fam, Miles, Fudd, and the other top prospects have, but she could quickly become an impactful contributor in the WNBA as a 3-and-D role player. Several teams outside the lottery could use a young player like Jaquez.
Washington, for example, desperately needs shooting and already has some young stars. Drafting a player like Jaquez to provide defense and floor spacing around Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, and Shakira Austin with one of their three first-round picks would address a big issue. Likewise, the Indiana Fever need shooting and defense around Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell.
Jaquez could also immediately play a role for the Valkyries. Golden State found success as a tough defensive team and relies heavily on 3-pointers. Jaquez could fit well into that system. Atlanta also shoots a lot of threes and could use a young player like Jaquez.
The Seattle Storm also desperately needs 3-point shooting, and the Connecticut Sun could use any young talent that is ready to contribute right away.