Who is Jaime Jaquez? University star from Mexico selected by Miami Heat in 2023 NBA draft

Contrary to what could sometime be expected after the end of the 2021-2022 NCAA season, Jaime Jaquez gave UCLA Bruins fans some very good news, before the start of the next season. The Mexican perimeter published a video on its social networks in which it announced its decision to I am playing one more year at UCLA (will be his campaign senior) and therefore, leave their dreams of the Draft and the NBA for 2023. In no rush, he looked for what he believed to be the best way to reach the highest stage of world basketball and he did it this Thursday, June 22 , when The Miami Heat selected him with the 18th pick.

“When I enrolled at UCLA, I wanted this program back on the national stage where it belongs, among the Nation’s elite. I am proud of what we have accomplished in the last three years, but there is some unfinished business. I came to UCLA to win a national championship. Shouldn’t that be the goal? I want to hang the championship flag number 12 in Pauley PavilionJaquez said.

The 2022-2023 season saw Jaquez average 17.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game and earns Second Team All-American honors and his winner Pac-12 Player of the Year.

Once the campaign ended, in which he reached the regional semifinals of March Madness, he confirmed what was expected: entered his name to be eligible for the 2023 draft.

Jaime Jaquez’s NBA dream will come true in Miami

That was it Jaquez’s final NCAA season and once he’s done, he’s already turning his attention to what will be the long-awaited jump to the NBA, via Plan 2023. There, although projections marked him as a second round pickapparently after his good showing in the March Madness 2023 He established himself as a solid candidate to be selected in such a way that he would be among the first 20 selected.

Jaquez is a strong, competitive perimeter with an excellent mid-range game and toughness to battle on defense and rebounds. His lack of a better 3-pointer and not being the most athletic player somewhat limits his potential in the NBA, but there’s no doubt he’s capable enough to at least make a roster.

Jaquez has shown he has one winning mentality who seduced the contending teams who selected at the end of the first round and one of them played a strong card for him: nothing less than the last runner-up in the league. He was recently asked in a video circulating on social media who his favorite player was on and off the field: His answer? Jimmy Butler. You will now share equipment with him.