UCLA Basketball: Where Ex-Bruins Rookie Ranks On Expert List Of Top 30 Summer League Players

Jaime Jaquez has always been the type of player that raises his game whenever he is faced with elite competition. Something that always stood out to me was last summer when Jaquez and a number of his UCLA teammates pulled up to the famous Rico Hines offseason runs that usually take place each offseason. Jaquez was able to hold his own against NBA competition and showed off an array of post moves along with some sneaky athleticism.

And after a senior season with the Bruins that saw him average 17 points and lead the way to another Sweet 16 appearance, the 6'7 guard is playing for the Miami Heat in the 2K24 summer league. Jaquez came out looking to score as he dropped 22 points against the Los Angeles Lakers in his debut and everybody that tuned in realized why the Heat selected him in the first round.

And experts at Bleacher Report compiled a list of the top 30 players participating summer league right now and the 22-year-old ball handler was placed at number 25.

"Jaime Jaquez Jr. sold the Miami Heat on his versatility, feel and toughness, which had teams willing to ignore the concerns over his athletic limitations and three-point numbers.Miami should be able to use him in different ways, including as a pick-and-roll ball-handler thanks to his physical driving and passing IQ. But he also operates as a post player and capable spot-up shooter, looking comfortable from NBA range (3-of-7) during his first summer league game."

(Via Bleacher Report)

They also believe he'll crack the rotation once the new season kicks off!

"Jaquez should ultimately find ways to separate by playing through contact and timing his moves and finishes.He also plays with a sense of intensity, fearlessness and alertness, characteristics that play to his appeal as a two-way energizer who won't need to be dependent on scoring for value. Even with the Heat coming off a Finals appearance, Jaquez seems like a good bet to earn rookie minutes."

(Via Bleacher Report)