Miami Heat Take UCLA Guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. With 18th Pick
The Miami Heat selected UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., with the No. 18 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound Jaquez was the Pac-10 Player of the Year and a second-team All-American last year after averaging 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 48 percent.
"I think he is the perfect player for the Heat," NBA TV analyst Andy Katz said before the draft. "He is a baller, he is a winner at every level for UCLA on both sides of the court. I think he fits perfect for [Heat coach Erik Spoelstra] and the Heat. He would come in right away and contribute."
The Heat chose Jaquez despite Villanova forward Cam Whitmore surprisingly still being available. Most mock drafts had Whitmore going in the Top 10.
"He's just one of the guys that knows how to play," NBA TV analyst Brendan Haywood. "I had the privilege of calling one of his NCAA Tournament games. You watch how he dominates. Whether it's pick and roll, he understands how to post up, get fouls, very smart basketball player, hard worker, nothing's ever been given to him and he's been coached hard at UCLA. He'll have no problem getting coached by coach Erik Spoelstra so I think it would be an excellent pick."
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