UCLA Basketball: All-Star Teammates Don't Consider Ex-Bruin A Typical Rookie

When the Miami Heat selected Jaime Jaquez Jr. out of UCLA in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, it seemed like a perfect match.

The man many refer to as JJJ (Triple-J) cultivated a game in Westwood that was heavily influenced by toughness, versatility, basketball I.Q., and winning. When delving into the famed 'Heat Culture' element, this marriage just made too much sense.

In his NBA debut, Jaquez was an efficient 3/3 from the field. He also accrued two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in limited minutes. It was a very workmanlike effort, but one that didn't surprise All-Star teammates Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler.

NBA scout weighs in on Heat newcomers amid strong Miami debuts for Jaquez, Bryant https://t.co/VkbcZAmYJa
— Miami Herald Sports (@HeraldSports) October 26, 2023

Courtesy of the Miami Herald, Adebayo had this to say about his rookie teammate:

"Jaime is not a regular rookie. A guy that's experienced, he's been in big games before, he's been in those games where he's needed to be a leader, he's needed to be the one option. That's throughout all those years in college. Me and Tyler [Herro] came in here at 19 after one year in college and had to figure it out. I feel like he's coming into the league ready."

- Adebayo on Jaquez Jr.

per the Miami Herald

Jaquez Jr. was a veteran player at UCLA, and ultimately a leader when it came to being the signature player of the Mick Cronin era thus far in Westwood. He was often referred to as Cronin's 'spirit animal' -- embodying all of the characteristics needed to compete at the highest level.

Jaime impressed in his first NBA game with his footwork in the post and finding his way to the rim.

Read more of @CoupNBA's Takeaways from our win vs. Detroit - https://t.co/dRaiUuAtL1 pic.twitter.com/SEsgvlwWoA
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 26, 2023

Another NBA All-Star -- Jimmy Butler -- also offered his praise towards Jaquez Jr. and his start so far:

"He's got some go. He gets right to it in the mid-post, takes the right shots, and kicks the ball out incredibly well. This might be his rookie year but he's played basketball in a winning manner for so long that he's doing it on this level now."

- Butler on Jaquez Jr.

per the Miami Herald

This is high praise for the rookie, and it appears his work ethic could definitely lead to a more expanded role sooner rather than later.

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