UCLA Basketball: Jaime Jaquez Reveals Team He Wanted To Draft Him

Miami Heat rookie small forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., formerly a four-year UCLA Bruins standout, had been projected ahead of the 2023 draft as a mid-first round pick.

Knowing this, he was aware of the clubs in his potential range. And he wanted to be selected by the Heat, writes Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.

“I think when it comes to basketball, just being under [team president] Pat Riley and coach [Erik Spoelstra], I don’t think you could ask for two better guys when it comes to basketball to play under and learn from,” Jaquez said. “So that was a big reason. I also didn’t want to stay in L.A. for all my life. I wanted to get out and be somewhere new, kind of challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone. So coming to Miami was a spot that I always really loved. I had been here before a couple times and I just loved the city, loved everything about it. So I just really wanted to come here.”

The Heat did ultimately select the 6'6" wing with the No. 18 pick. The 2023 consensus All-American Second Teamer has been perhaps the third-best rookie this season, behind star big men Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Through 20 contests this season, Jaquez is averaging 12 points on a .525/.393/.793 slash line, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals.

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