UCLA Basketball: Jaime Jaquez Jr. Already Impressing Heat In Summer League

The former Bruin is ready to roll at the next level.

Former UCLA Bruins small forward/power forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., the No. 18 pick in this year's draft, barely played in this year's NBA Summer League, but even in his limited run he has shown enough to entice the GM of his new team, the Miami Heat, Andy Elisburg.

Elisburg and Jaquez recently spoke discussed his progress in offseason competition on WQAM (quotes transcribed by Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel).

“I think he’s our type of guy,” Elisburg commented. “I think he comes from the same kind of ethos that we think we value, with players that we value. He has that kind of competitiveness and the work ethic that you want to see… You’re excited to see what he’s able to do as he takes his game and grows it. At this point in time, he’s got things he does well, things he can do better at. And the great players take the things that they can do better at, and become better at that.”

Jaquez incurred a minor shoulder injury after playing one full Summer League game and a meager portion of another, and has been shut down by the team as a precaution.

“I unfortunately got this injury against Sacramento, nothing too serious,” Jaquez noted. “I would just say my ability to play defense and playmake,” he said of his best attributes. “I think those are going to be the two things that I want Heat fans to take a look at. My ability to hit shots, too. If I hit shots, then my ability to create is going to expand.” 

“You’re excited to see what he’s able to do as he takes his game and grows it,” Elisburg said. “At this point in time, he’s got things he does well, things he can do better at. And the great players take the things that they can do better at, and become better at that. “And if you could do that, you’d be able to do more. So excited to be able to see what his growth is going to look like.”