The loudest voices throughout the WNBA suggested that either Kiki Rice or Flau'jae Johnson was destined to land with the Chicago Sky come draft time. Few predicted that the fifth overall pick of the 2026 WNBA Draft would be utilised to select UCLA's talented guard, Gabriela Jaquez, which could be a stroke of genius. Chicago has acquired a versatile player who can mould herself around the weapons they have acquired throughout the offseason.
The initial narrative around selecting Flau’jae Johnson centered on the Sky reuniting Angel Reese with her former LSU teammate. However, that possibility was taken off the table by the Atlanta Dream. After this scenario dissipated, many believed Kiki Rice seemed the logical choice for Chicago. Rice is a two-way guard who can not only shoot the ball, but can also facilitate the play when needed.
Despite both players being left on the board as Chicago's selection rolled around, general manager Jeff Pagliocca acquired a different UCLA Bruins star, who possesses an impressive skill set that aligns perfectly with the identity that the franchise is trying to create.
Gabriela Jaquez is a perfect fit for this version of the Chicago Sky
Pagliocca has been a busy man this offseason. Shipping out Chicago's star attraction, Angel Reese, to Atlanta, and attempting to construct a roster that allows Kamilla Cardoso to thrive offensively. So far, the moves the Sky have made make a lot of sense. By signing Skylar Diggins and retaining the services of Courtney Vandersloot, the Sky will boast experience, playmaking, and scoring in its backcourt.
Alongside the accomplished duo will be a younger, energetic core of players who can adjust to a system that prioritises floor spacing. Rickea Jackson, Azura Stevens, and Jacy Sheldon have all arrived at the franchise in recent days to bolster a youthful rotation alongside Hailey Van Lith, Ajsa Sivka, and Maddy Westbeld. It is clear that the Sky is getting younger and more versatile -- come forth, Gabriela Jaquez.
Jaquez was one of the most efficient shooters in the entire NCAA throughout the 2025-26 season. During UCLA's championship-winning campaign, the 22-year-old recorded a career-high 13.5 points per game, while shooting 53.9% from the floor. Most importantly to Chicago, Jaquez buried 39% of her shots from deep, proving she can be the spot-up shooter from range that the Sky have so desperately craved in recent seasons.
Despite her standout scoring ability, it’s Jaquez’s versatility and willingness to adapt to whatever her team needs that make her an ideal fit for the Sky. She has seamlessly adapted to multiple positions during her career at UCLA, transitioning from guard to wing without any negative impact on her team’s performance.
Standing at six feet tall, the relentless rookie refuses to be outmatched physically. Even with Lauren Betts on the court, Jaquez still averaged 5.5 rebounds per game, while also contributing 1.1 steals. What the statistics do not show is the volume of turnovers that she forces her opponent into through sheer grit and determination.
Under its current guise, the Chicago Sky needs players who can make an impact in several positions, and most importantly, in a rotational role. Gabriela Jaquez brings not only talent to the franchise but also a determined mindset that allows her to contribute in whatever areas the team needs most. Alongside the likes of Skylar Diggins, Courtney Vandersloot, and Rickea Jackson, Jaquez could establish herself as a vital cog in the Sky's system.
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