By: Iris Xu
Jaime Jaquez Jr., a small forward from UCLA, is on the brink of entering the NBA. Despite being back at the bottom, having to prove himself once again in the professional league, he remains confident and ready. Jaquez has participated in the NBA draft combine and worked out with several teams, including the Clippers. His unique combination of grit, skill, and basketball IQ has impressed many scouts, potentially making him an attractive pick in the upcoming draft.
Throughout his four years at UCLA, Jaquez has grown both as a player and as a leader. Winning the Pac-12 Player of the Year award in his senior season and leading UCLA to the Final Four and two Sweet 16 appearances, he solidified his place in Bruins basketball history. With 1,802 career points, he ranks eighth on the school’s all-time scoring list.
Jaquez attributes his readiness for the NBA to his time at UCLA. No more than 10% of total college athletes are able to be a pro. However, extra years at the collegiate level allowed him to develop a better feel for the game, improve his defensive presence, and expand his overall skill set. By becoming the first UCLA player drafted with an undergraduate degree since 2018, he will join an exclusive group of Bruins players and hopes to continue making his family proud.
His ability to score from various positions on the court, combined with relentless rebounding, strong defense, and unselfishness in passing, make him an enticing prospect for NBA teams.
According to the Los Angeles Times, NBA executives who have observed Jaquez’s workouts recognize his dependability and work ethic as valuable assets.
Jaquez said, “I think I’ve gone through this process and shown a lot of teams what I can do and I think they’ve all been very impressed. I think I’ve definitely improved my stock — at least that’s the way I feel. I mean, you never know — it’s not how I feel, it’s about how these GMs feel. I think I did, so I guess I’ll leave it at that.”
The executives predict he could be selected somewhere between the 17th and 25th pick in the first round, with teams like the Lakers, Clippers, and Indiana Pacers potentially showing interest. Jaquez’s journey to the NBA has involved intense workouts and interviews, including a memorable moment with the San Antonio Spurs, who surprised him with footage of his cameo appearance in a MrBeast video.
As a Mexican American player, Jaquez sees himself as a representative for a group that has had limited representation in the NBA. He aims to inspire a new generation of Mexican basketball players to pursue their dreams and enjoy the sport as much as he does
Jaquez acknowledges that being drafted is just the beginning, and he understands the hard work required to earn a place in an NBA lineup. He plans to contribute to a team’s success through defense, shooting, and an unwavering desire to win, just as he did at UCLA.
Regardless of where he lands in the NBA, Jaquez looks forward to introducing himself to a new fan base and making an impact as a rookie. He embraces the challenge and is eager to continue his basketball journey at the professional level.