Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is a Mexican-American professional basketball player who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Born on February 18, 2001, in Irvine, California, he became one of UCLA’s most accomplished college basketball players before being selected by the Miami Heat with the 18th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Known for his competitive mentality, versatility and strong connection to his Mexican heritage, Jaquez comes from a family with a remarkable basketball tradition spanning three generations.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s family includes his father, Jaime Jaquez Sr., his mother, Angela Sather Jaquez, his younger sister, Gabriela Jaquez, and his younger brother, Marcos Jaquez. Both of his parents played college basketball, while Gabriela followed her older brother’s footsteps at UCLA before joining the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. His personal life also attracted attention in September 2026 when he announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Dominique Ruotolo. Here is everything publicly known about Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Girlfriend: Who Is Dominique Ruotolo?
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is engaged to Dominique Ruotolo, an American model and former collegiate track-and-field athlete who represented the University of Oregon and the University of Southern California.
The couple first met in June 2023, during celebrations following the NBA Draft in New York City.
At the time, Jaquez had just achieved his childhood dream of becoming an NBA player after being selected by the Miami Heat.
According to an August 2025 interview on the Straight to Cam podcast, hosted by WNBA player Cameron Brink and Sydel Curry-Lee, Jaquez encountered Ruotolo unexpectedly while celebrating his draft selection.
The two started talking and eventually planned to get something to eat together. However, Jaquez began feeling unwell during the evening and asked Ruotolo to accompany him back to his hotel.
Although their first meeting ended unexpectedly, Jaquez contacted Ruotolo afterward to thank her for helping him.
Several months later, while spending time in Southern California, a friend encouraged him to reconnect with her.
They met again, developed a romantic connection and eventually became a couple.
The relationship became public during the summer of 2024, when they began sharing photographs together on social media.
Since then, Ruotolo has supported Jaquez throughout his NBA career, including attending Miami Heat events and accompanying him to basketball-related celebrations.
Are Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Dominique Ruotolo Engaged?
Yes. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Dominique Ruotolo announced their engagement on September 3, 2026.
According to reporting published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on September 4, the basketball player proposed during a romantic outdoor celebration overlooking the hills of Los Angeles.
The proposal took place on a stone terrace decorated with white flowers, creating a picturesque setting for the occasion.
Jaquez got down on one knee and presented Ruotolo with an engagement ring.
The couple subsequently shared photographs of the proposal through a joint Instagram announcement.
Jaquez celebrated the occasion with a message about love, while Ruotolo expressed her excitement about spending the future together.
The announcement was also celebrated by NBA México, which congratulated the couple on social media.
The engagement represented an important milestone in their relationship, approximately three years after they first met during the 2023 NBA Draft celebrations.
As of now, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Dominique Ruotolo are engaged, but there has been no publicly verified announcement confirming that they have married.
Who Is Dominique Ruotolo?
Dominique Ruotolo was born on April 19, 2000, in Aarau, Switzerland, and grew up with strong connections to Southern California.
She attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, where she developed into an accomplished track-and-field athlete.
Ruotolo specialized in jumping events, particularly the triple jump, long jump and high jump.
During her youth career, she won a bronze medal in the triple jump at the 2017 USA Under-20 Championships.
She subsequently joined the University of Oregon’s track-and-field program, where she established herself as one of the university’s leading jumpers.
In 2021, Ruotolo won the Pac-12 women’s triple jump championship with a personal-best distance of 13.66 meters.
She earned All-American honors at the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships after finishing seventh in the triple jump.
Following her time at Oregon, Ruotolo transferred to the University of Southern California, where she continued competing at the collegiate level.
Her achievements included establishing herself among USC’s leading performers in the women’s triple jump.
After college, she pursued opportunities in modeling and became associated with Wilhelmina Miami.
She also received attention as a Sports Illustrated Swim Search finalist.
Ruotolo’s background in elite athletics gives her and Jaquez a shared understanding of the dedication and pressure associated with competitive sports.
Interestingly, they attended rival universities in Los Angeles: Jaquez represented UCLA, while Ruotolo competed for USC.
Does Jaime Jaquez Jr. Have Children?
There are no credible public reports confirming that Jaime Jaquez Jr. has children.
Although he is engaged to Dominique Ruotolo, the couple has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
His official NBA biography and interviews primarily discuss his parents, younger siblings, extended family and basketball career.
No reliable source has identified him as a father or confirmed that he has children from a previous relationship.
As of now, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has no publicly confirmed children.
Who Are Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Parents?
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s parents are Jaime Jaquez Sr. and Angela Sather Jaquez.
Both played college basketball at Concordia University in Irvine, California, where they first met.
The couple subsequently established their family in Southern California and raised three children: Jaime Jr., Gabriela and Marcos.
Their shared basketball background played an important role in developing their children’s interest in sports.
According to interviews published by ESPN, the Los Angeles Times and GQ, both parents actively supported their children’s athletic ambitions while emphasizing education, discipline and family values.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Father: Jaime Jaquez Sr.
Jaime Jaquez Sr. is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s father, a former college basketball player who played an influential role in his son’s athletic development.
He grew up in a Mexican-American family with strong connections to basketball and education.
His father, Ezequiel Jaquez, was a talented basketball player who represented Ventura Community College and Northern Arizona University.
Following the family’s athletic tradition, Jaime Sr. played basketball at Moorpark College before continuing his collegiate career at Concordia University in Irvine.
While attending Concordia, he met Angela Sather, who played for the university’s women’s basketball team.
After starting a family, Jaime Sr. became heavily involved in coaching his children.
He introduced Jaime Jr. to basketball fundamentals and coached him throughout much of his childhood.
In a December 2023 interview with GQ, Jaquez explained that his father coached him until high school and continued helping him improve through individual workouts.
The father and son regularly trained together at local gyms, sometimes beginning their sessions early in the morning.
Jaquez Sr. emphasized defensive positioning, rebounding, footwork and basketball intelligence rather than concentrating exclusively on scoring.
His background as a college point guard helped him teach his son how to understand different situations on the court.
According to the Los Angeles Times, he also encouraged a highly competitive environment during family basketball activities.
His influence became particularly important during Jaime Jr.’s high school career at Camarillo High School and his subsequent development at UCLA.
Beyond basketball, Jaime Sr. has emphasized the importance of maintaining a connection to the family’s Mexican heritage.
In an ESPN interview, he explained that he deliberately chose Spanish names for his children to honor their cultural identity.
He also continued the family tradition of giving his eldest son his own first name.
Jaime Sr. has regularly attended major events involving his children, including the NBA Draft and Gabriela’s college basketball games.
His contributions have helped establish the Jaquez family as one of the most recognizable Mexican-American basketball families in the United States.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Mother: Angela Sather Jaquez
Angela Sather Jaquez is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s mother, a former college basketball standout, educator and real estate professional.
Before becoming a mother, Angela established an impressive basketball career at Concordia University in Irvine, California.
She attended Pima Community College in Arizona before transferring to Concordia, where she became one of the university’s most accomplished women’s basketball players.
During the 1997 season, she earned Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors.
Her performances helped Concordia qualify for the NAIA national tournament.
She was subsequently inducted into Concordia University’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.
Angela’s competitive personality and basketball experience played an important role in the athletic development of her children.
According to a 2022 Los Angeles Times feature, she was known during her college career for her toughness and willingness to compete against male basketball players in informal games.
Her children inherited that competitive mentality as they pursued basketball and football.
Outside athletics, Angela developed a career in education and real estate.
She worked as a teacher for approximately 16 years while raising her three children and supporting their sporting activities.
She later continued her professional career in real estate, working with The Ann Howarth Group at RE/MAX Gold Coast.
According to an April 2026 profile published by Town & Country, Angela had been involved in the real estate industry since 2006 while also dedicating substantial time to teaching and family responsibilities.
As a mother, she attended games, encouraged her children academically and helped them navigate the demands of competitive sports.
Angela has been particularly visible during important family achievements, including Jaime Jr.’s selection in the NBA Draft and Gabriela’s success at UCLA.
She was among the family members who celebrated UCLA’s victory in the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball national championship.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Siblings: Meet His Sister and Brother
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has two younger siblings: Gabriela Jaquez and Marcos Jaquez.
According to his official UCLA and NBA biographies, Jaime is the oldest of the three children born to Jaime Sr. and Angela Jaquez.
All three siblings grew up in Camarillo, California, where they participated in competitive sports from childhood.
Although Jaime and Gabriela pursued basketball professionally, Marcos developed his own athletic career in American football.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Sister: Gabriela Jaquez
Gabriela Jaquez is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s younger sister and a professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky in the Women’s National Basketball Association.
Like her brother, Gabriela attended Camarillo High School and became one of Southern California’s most accomplished basketball prospects.
During her senior high school season, she received McDonald’s All-American honors and shared Most Valuable Player recognition at the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Girls Game.
She subsequently committed to UCLA, following the same collegiate path as Jaime.
The siblings briefly represented UCLA simultaneously during the 2022–23 basketball season, when Jaime was a senior on the men’s team and Gabriela was a freshman on the women’s team.
Their shared season became a major moment for the Jaquez family.
In March 2023, both siblings helped their respective UCLA teams reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
The achievement attracted national attention and demonstrated the family’s growing influence in college basketball.
After Jaime entered the NBA in 2023, Gabriela continued improving with UCLA.
Her collegiate career reached its greatest milestone during the 2025–26 season.
On April 5, 2026, Gabriela helped lead UCLA to its first NCAA Division I women’s basketball national championship.
She delivered an outstanding performance in the championship game against South Carolina, recording 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
UCLA defeated South Carolina 79–51 to claim the national title.
Jaime attended the championship game in Phoenix to support his sister, joining his parents and younger brother in celebrating the historic victory.
Gabriela’s accomplishments continued when the Chicago Sky selected her with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13.
Her selection made her a first-round WNBA Draft pick and further strengthened the Jaquez family’s basketball legacy.
As of now, Gabriela plays professionally for the Chicago Sky and continues representing her family’s Mexican-American heritage.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Brother: Marcos Jaquez
Marcos Jaquez is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s younger brother and the youngest of the three Jaquez children.
Like his older siblings, Marcos grew up in an athletic household where basketball, baseball and American football were important activities.
He attended Camarillo High School in California and competed in multiple sports.
While Jaime and Gabriela developed into standout basketball players, Marcos established himself as a defensive lineman in American football.
He played both basketball and football during high school before concentrating more heavily on football.
According to his athletic recruitment profile on 247Sports, Marcos developed into a defensive prospect during the 2023 recruiting class.
He later joined Ventura College, where he continued his football career as a defensive lineman.
His involvement in college sports reflects the athletic traditions established by his parents and grandparents.
Although Marcos has not attracted the same level of national media attention as his older siblings, he has remained an important part of the family’s sporting achievements.
He regularly supports Jaime and Gabriela at basketball-related events and has appeared alongside them in family photographs.
Marcos also attended the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball championship game when Gabriela helped UCLA win the national title.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Grandparents and Mexican Family Heritage
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s family has deep connections to Mexico, particularly the state of Jalisco.
His paternal grandparents, Ezequiel Jaquez and Gloria Jaquez, played important roles in establishing the family’s roots in Southern California.
Ezequiel grew up in the Oxnard area and developed into a talented basketball and baseball player.
He attended Santa Clara High School before competing at Ventura Community College and Northern Arizona University.
His sporting achievements helped establish a basketball tradition that continued through his son Jaime Sr. and grandchildren Jaime Jr. and Gabriela.
His paternal grandmother, Gloria Jaquez, came from Zapotlanejo, Jalisco, Mexico.
According to interviews published by the Los Angeles Times, Gloria moved to the United States and eventually established a successful hair and beauty salon in Camarillo.
Her accomplishments became an important example of determination and entrepreneurship within the family.
Jaime Jr. has publicly expressed admiration for his grandparents’ sacrifices and achievements.
Through his mother, Angela Sather Jaquez, he also has Norwegian ancestry.
His mixed cultural background has contributed to his identity as a Mexican-American basketball player.
He has represented Mexico internationally, including participating in the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
His connection to Mexico has also made him an important figure for young Mexican and Mexican-American basketball fans.
The Jaquez Family’s Three-Generation Basketball Legacy
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s family is its basketball history spanning three generations.
The tradition began with his paternal grandfather, Ezequiel Jaquez, who played basketball at Ventura Community College and Northern Arizona University.
It continued through Jaime Sr. and Angela, who played college basketball at Concordia University.
The third generation includes Jaime Jr., who became a UCLA standout and NBA player, and Gabriela, who won a national championship with UCLA before entering the WNBA.
Although Marcos pursued American football, he also participated in basketball during his youth.
The family’s basketball history became the subject of national media coverage during Jaime and Gabriela’s college careers.
In March 2023, ESPN published a feature exploring how multiple generations of the Jaquez family had contributed to the development of the siblings’ basketball careers.
The article highlighted the family’s emphasis on education, discipline, hard work and cultural identity.
These values have helped the Jaquez siblings develop their own athletic careers while maintaining strong connections with their family.
The Jaquez Family Scholarship Fund at UCLA
In April 2023, UCLA announced the establishment of the Jaquez Family Scholarship Fund.
The initiative was created through the UCLA Latino Alumni Association and UCLA Alumni Association to honor the family’s athletic achievements and commitment to education.
According to UCLA’s official announcement, the fund was designed to provide financial assistance to incoming freshmen and transfer students.
The project recognizes not only Jaime Jr. and Gabriela but also their parents, grandparents and extended family members who have emphasized the importance of academic achievement.
During the scholarship announcement, Jaime and Gabriela expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support future generations of students.
The family also participated in fundraising events designed to expand the scholarship program.
In February 2024, UCLA reported that fundraising activities had already generated significant financial support for the initiative.
The scholarship represents an important part of the family’s legacy beyond basketball, demonstrating its commitment to creating educational opportunities for others.
How Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Family Influenced His NBA Career
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s development into an NBA player was strongly influenced by his family’s basketball experience.
His father introduced him to competitive basketball and worked with him throughout his childhood.
His mother provided additional basketball knowledge and encouraged the discipline needed to succeed in sports and education.
Growing up with Gabriela and Marcos also created a competitive environment in which the siblings encouraged one another to improve.
At Camarillo High School, Jaime became an outstanding basketball player and established several school records.
His achievements included scoring 54 points in a single game against Royal High School.
He subsequently joined UCLA in 2019, where he developed into one of the most respected players in college basketball.
During the 2022–23 season, Jaquez averaged 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while leading UCLA to the NCAA Sweet 16.
His performances earned him Pac-12 Player of the Year honors and national recognition.
After graduating from UCLA with a degree in history, he entered the 2023 NBA Draft.
On June 22, 2023, the Miami Heat selected him with the 18th overall pick.
His parents and siblings attended the draft celebrations, making the occasion a major milestone for the entire family.
During his rookie NBA season, Jaquez averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
His performances earned him NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2024.
He continued developing with Miami and produced his most productive NBA season to date in 2025–26, averaging 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
In July 2026, Jaquez was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the blockbuster agreement that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
The transaction represented a significant change in his professional career after three seasons in Miami.
Throughout his journey, his parents and siblings have continued supporting his development and celebrating his achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Family
Who is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s girlfriend?
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s longtime girlfriend is Dominique Ruotolo, a former USC track-and-field athlete and model. The couple announced their engagement on September 3, 2026.
Is Jaime Jaquez Jr. engaged?
Yes. Jaime Jaquez Jr. proposed to Dominique Ruotolo in Los Angeles, and the couple publicly announced their engagement on September 3, 2026.
Who is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s fiancée?
His fiancée is Dominique Ruotolo, a former collegiate triple jumper who competed for Oregon and USC before pursuing modeling.
How did Jaime Jaquez Jr. meet Dominique Ruotolo?
They met in New York City during celebrations following the 2023 NBA Draft. They later reconnected in Southern California and began dating.
Is Jaime Jaquez Jr. married?
There is no verified public announcement confirming that Jaime Jaquez Jr. is married. He is engaged to Dominique Ruotolo.
Does Jaime Jaquez Jr. have children?
There are no credible public reports confirming that Jaime Jaquez Jr. has children.
Who is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s father?
His father is Jaime Jaquez Sr., a former college basketball player at Concordia University who helped coach his son throughout childhood.
Who is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s mother?
His mother is Angela Sather Jaquez, a former Concordia University basketball standout, educator and real estate professional.
How many siblings does Jaime Jaquez Jr. have?
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has two younger siblings: Gabriela Jaquez and Marcos Jaquez.
Who is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s sister?
His younger sister is Gabriela Jaquez, a professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky who helped UCLA win the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball national championship.
Who is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s brother?
His younger brother is Marcos Jaquez, a former Camarillo High School multisport athlete who played college football at Ventura College.
Are Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Gabriela Jaquez related?
Yes. Jaime and Gabriela Jaquez are siblings. They both played basketball at UCLA and subsequently entered the NBA and WNBA, respectively.
Who are Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s grandparents?
His paternal grandparents are Ezequiel Jaquez and Gloria Jaquez. Ezequiel played college basketball, while Gloria immigrated from Mexico and established a business in California.
Is Jaime Jaquez Jr. Mexican?
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is Mexican-American. He was born in California and has Mexican heritage through his father and paternal grandparents. He also has Norwegian ancestry through his mother.
Where is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s family from?
His immediate family is from Camarillo, California. His paternal family has roots in Mexico, particularly Jalisco, while his mother’s side has Norwegian ancestry.
Were Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s parents basketball players?
Yes. Both Jaime Jaquez Sr. and Angela Sather Jaquez played college basketball at Concordia University in Irvine, California.
What NBA team does Jaime Jaquez Jr. play for?
Jaime Jaquez Jr. plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. He joined the franchise in July 2026 after spending three seasons with the Miami Heat.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
