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UCLA Basketball: Rookie Ex-Bruin Shows Off Elite Hops In Practice With New Team

Who said he couldn't jump?

Jason Fray

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Former UCLA Bruins great Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been described in a number of ways as it relates to his game. 

Many have praised him for being the ultimate team player. He dives on the floor for loose balls. He hits big shots when they're required. He relishes the opportunities to chase down blocks from behind. You're looking at the consummate winning basketball player -- comprised of grit, tenacity, competitiveness, I.Q., and polish.

Often pegged as someone with an 'old man's game, rarely do you hear Jaquez Jr. spoken about glowingly as it pertains to his athletic ability. Well, that narrative might have to change based on a video leaked from a recent Miami Heat practice: 

With relative ease, Jaquez Jr. just unfurled a 360-degree pump slam without even breaking a sweat. It's pretty impressive when considering the 'narratives' put on Jaquez Jr. since coming to UCLA from Camarillo High School in Camarillo, Calif. 

A first-round pick from this year's NBA Draft, Jaquez Jr. figures to be a perfect role player for Erik Spoelstra and the Heat. He's versatile enough to play a number of different positions on the floor, and ultimately he does the little things necessary to win basketball games. 

Jaquez Jr. was rumored to be a potential piece in a hypothetical Damian Lillard trade. With that said, the Heat held onto him. We have to figure that he'll get a decent amount of playing time as a rookie. Considering the fact he was a 4-year player in college, Jaquez Jr. is more than battle-tested playing against bigger, stronger guys. 

The leadership skills cultivated under Mick Cronin at UCLA can also only help his transition to an enhanced level. Additionally -- if he's dunking like this in games -- Jaquez Jr. will build a fan club in Miami sooner than later. 

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Jason Fray
JASON FRAY

Jason Fray is a proud native of Los Angeles. After graduating from UCLA in 2011, he's written for a number of publications -- including Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, Saturday Down South, and New Arena. In his downtime, he enjoys writing scripts, going to shows, weekly pub trivia with the boys, trying the best hole-in-the-wall food spots around town, and traveling (22 countries & counting).