UCLA Basketball: How Jaime Jaquez Is Already Acclimating To Heat Culture

The Bruin-turned-Miami forward is ready to make an impact right away.

The most highly-regarded ex-UCLA Bruins rookie this season is undoubtedly swingman Jaime Jaquez Jr., the only Pauley Pavilion alum to be selected in the first round of last month's NBA draft. Amari Bailey and Jaylen Clark were both selected in the second round and inked to two-way contracts.

The 6'7" small forward/shooting guard was chosen with the No. 18 overall pick by the Miami Heat, the reigning Eastern Conference champs who fell three games short of nabbing the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June.

Jaquez realized exactly who one of his first contacts with Miami needed to be. Per Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, he quickly got in touch with just-retired Heat power forward Udonis Haslem, who wrapped up a 20-year career (all with the Heat) with three championships and seven NBA Finals appearances in all. 

Even with the 41-year-old Haslem hanging up his sneakers officially, Jaquez knew that he represented the essence of the infamous "Heat culture" that seems to help Miami stay ruthlessly competitive even with lots of roster churn.

“I know he’s the OG of the Miami Heat,” Jaquez, who grew up as a Lakers fan in Irvine and Camarillo, reflected. “I felt it was only right that I reach out to him first and just let him know that I’m excited to be here and ready to work.”

“I’m a basketball fan, I was a Heat fan,” Jaquez continued. “I always loved the Lakers, but the Heat was always my No. 2 and I’ve just always known about him and his presence in the organization. Being a basketball fan, you know who he is.”

The 22-year-old Jaquez was a four-year Bruin, and was named a consensus Second-Team All-American and the Pac-12 Player of the Year during his senior season in 2022-23. He was also a two-time All-Pac-12 First Team selection, a one-time Second Teamer, and a two-time All-Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honoree.