UCLA Men's Basketball: Insider Thinks Ex-Bruin NBA Rookie Must Develop This Skill

The UCLA basketball program has sent plenty of talented players to the NBA. Some are still dominating in the league today, and even within this current rookie class, the Bruins' presence can be felt.

One of the more exciting players in the rookie class for this year is former Bruins forward Jamie Jaquez Jr. He enters the upcoming season with the Miami Heat after being drafted in the first round by Miami a few months ago.

Jaquez Jr. started making a name for himself just before the NBA Draft and shot up draft boards. Then, at the NBA summer league, he also put on a show. Miami is very high on him, and rightfully so. The former Bruin dazzled fans in Westwood for a few years and now will try to help the Heat get back to the NBA Finals this season.

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report listed one thing for NBA rookies to work on in training camp: his shooting ability was listed for Jaquez Jr. entering the season.

But if Jaquez Jr. wants to stay in the league, he must improve his spot-up shooting ability. It was a bit shaky during his time with the Bruins, and the NBA has moved to a league where the ability to shoot the ball is pretty much everything.

“Jaquez's identity revolves around versatility and toughness, features of his game that will help the rookie earn playing time early. But the Heat role players must be able to shoot, and he shot below 32.0 percent from three his last two years at UCLA.”

Per Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report

Especially with him not being a main option with the Heat, Jaquez Jr. must show the coaching staff that they can rely on him to hit shots. It could end up being the difference between him getting consistent minutes or him sitting on the bench the majority of the time.

“He did have more of a creation workload than he'll have in Miami, so he should see more rhythm, catch-and-shoot looks with the Heat. Working on hitting those spot-up and corner threes should be Jaquez's priority in training camp.”

Per Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report

This will undoubtedly be something to watch as the season progresses, and the hope is that he can improve his game. Miami is very excited to see what he can do; now, he needs to go out and show it all.

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