UCLA Basketball: How Jaime Jaquez's Evolution As A Bruin Endeared Him To Heat
When he was drafted by the Miami Heat in the first round of this past NBA draft, many believed that Jamie Jaquez Jr. was heading to the perfect team. Fast forward to the first few months of the season, and it seems that the fit has indeed worked out well.
The rookie forward shot up experts’ boards just before the draft, and Miami jumped at the chance to take him with the No. 18 pick. They loved his experience from his time with the UCLA Bruins, and it has helped him get to where he is now.
"The resolve that Jaquez developed at UCLA while going from a role player to the Bruins’ go-to guy was among the reasons the Heat coveted him. It reminded executives of previous draft picks Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, who had shown a willingness to do whatever it took to win."
Jaquez Jr. has credited UCLA in the past for helping build him into the player he is now. They preach tough-minded basketball, much like the Heat do.
"Mastering details that allowed him to thrive as a Bruin — avoiding turnovers, prioritizing rebounds and getting to the free-throw line — have translated to instant success at the next level. The NBA’s Steve Aschburner lists Jaquez third in his rookie rankings, behind Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama."
Jaquez Jr. has turned himself into a solid rotation piece with Maimi this season. His NBA career is still very early, so there is more work to be done.
“I always felt my game was more suited for the NBA, just the way I play,” Jaquez said, “so I wouldn’t say I’m surprised. I knew if I had an opportunity, I was going to make the most of it and that’s kind of where I’m at. Once you’re in the [NBA] game you kind of just realize it’s basketball all over again."
If he can continue this success, it will be one of the better stories of the year. He has earned everything coming his way, and hopefully, he continues to grow as a player.
