After a gleeful smile as his name was called, a family hug, and a snug fit of the new NBA team’s cap on his head, Jaime Jacquez Jr. pulled off the same hat, impossibly. stared at it. Believe it’s real.
Coming out of Camarillo High School and barely making the Top 100, he left UCLA for what seemed like a basketball career, going from runner-up to Pac-12 Player of the Year in the last four years.
The reward for that patience came Thursday night inside the Barclays Centre. Jaquez is more than just an NBA player, he was almost a lottery pick, and the Miami Heat drafted him 18th overall.
“It’s surreal,” Jaquez said on ESPN. “I can’t describe it in words right now.”
It was yet another win for a player considered a fringe first-round pick after finishing college as the eighth-leading scorer in UCLA history. His stock skyrocketed in workouts with NBA teams that appreciated his insight, tenacity and consistency, not to mention his ability to score in a variety of ways and make winning plays.
Jacquets originally intended to watch the draft in Southern California before earning a coveted invitation to the green room at the Barclays Center, reserved for the widely anticipated first-round pick. He wore a beige bespoke suit that a haberdashery had chosen after coming home and presenting him with a choice of fabrics and colours.
When his name was called, Jaquez smiled and stood up to hug the rest of his basketball-obsessed family, who have been playing basketball for three generations. First he hugged his mother Angela and they gently rocked back and forth. His father Jaime then appeared and patted his son of the same name on the back. Afterwards, Jaime hugged his sister Gabriella after his brother Marcos grabbed him tightly and lifted him off the floor. Gabriella will continue the tradition of the UCLA family next season as she joins the women’s basketball team as a sophomore.
Freshman guard Amari Bailey was the No. 41 pick in the second round to Charlotte and junior guard Jalen Clark was the No. 53 pick to Minnesota on the night two other Bruins were drafted. Jaquez stood alone among the players. Pac-12 stolen in the first round.
He joins a franchise known for making the most of its roster, reaching the NBA Finals in two of its last four seasons. The Heat paired stars like Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo with lesser-known players like Caleb Martin, Max Struss and Duncan Robinson who have grown to become important parts of their rotation. . The roster also includes another former Bruin, veteran forward Kevin Love.
Jacquets, who helped UCLA reach one Final 4 and two more Sweet 16s, said he understands what it takes to maintain the standards of excellence the Heat have established. .
“They have a culture,” Jaquez told reporters. What I look forward to is continuing that tradition. “
Jaques became the first UCLA senior to reach the first round since Darren Collison in 2009. It’s a welcome development for Bruins fans and coaches who want their top players to stay in Westwood longer than it takes to finish eight claps.
“The story of Jaime Jaquez is what college basketball is all about,” said UCLA coach Mick Cronin. “You’re talking about a young man who led a team for four years, made it to the Final 4 in his sophomore year, and won the Pac-12 regular season title in his senior year. He led the way to a 3-3 record and won numerous accolades as a senior, including one All-American Player of the Year.Sincerely, Jamie wins.”
In a meeting with reporters, Jaquez said he had enjoyed an “incredible” opportunity to represent his Mexican-American heritage while also benefiting from a wealth of experience. His 134 appearances in college could accelerate his ability to quickly earn meaningful minutes with a Heat known for its complex playbook.
“Any experience is a good experience,” Jacques said. …not only do I have the experience, but I know there’s a lot to learn in the NBA, so I’m very keen to soak it all up. “
Times staff writer Dan Woik contributed to this report.
