UCLA Basketball: Watch Jaime Jaquez Jr. Jump Over Childhood Hero In Dunk Contest
Early in his NBA career, former UCLA Bruins star Jaime Jaquez Jr. has certainly made waves based on his play with the Miami Heat.
Objectively speaking, he's been one of the top five rookies in the league up to the all-star break. Utilizing crafty footwork, a high basketball I.Q., and stellar shooting at all levels, the Heat once again unearthed a gem who in all likelihood, should've gone much higher in the draft.
On Saturday night, Jaquez Jr. got to demonstrate another element of his game -- and one where he's often slept on: his athletic ability.
During the first dunk of the night, Jaquez Jr. utilized famed big man Shaquille O'Neal as a 'prop' for this attempt. Growing up in Greater Los Angeles as a massive Lakers fan, Jaquez Jr. was pinching himself with the chance to work with Shaq.
Jaquez Jr. ran down the lane and easily jumped over 'The Big Fella' before throwing down a windmill dunk. Those commentating and the panel of judges didn't give it the respect it deserved.
We soon learned this after seeing the scores Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown received. Comparatively speaking, isn't it more impressive for a guy to jump over a massive human standing up rather than a small guy sitting in a chair?
Ultimately, Mac McClung won the Dunk Contest yet again. Jaquez Jr. didn't make it to the finals, but he has nothing to be ashamed of.
Many who casually watch the game probably didn't even know Jaquez Jr. could dunk -- let alone operate with this sort of verticality. He more than opened some eyes on Saturday night.
