UCLA Basketball: Bruin-Turned-NBA Rookie Reveals His "Welcome To The NBA" Moment
Former UCLA Bruins standout forward Jamie Jaquez Jr. has been thriving during his time with the Miami Heat early on this season. He is showing exactly why he was a first-round pick this year, and it has been great to see.
However, before he could show what he was able to do on the floor, Jaquez Jr. had his "Welcome to the NBA" moment. He spoke about it in a new interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype and how it has helped him going forward.
“Welcome to the NBA. That’s a part of the things you’re going to have to deal with. First offseason, trade rumors… Welcome to the league. That’s the job you’re in. I tried to stay focused. I was in Miami and being professional. I’m here right now, so that’s what I’m going to focus on. Stay present and in the moment. Whatever happens will happen. Look on the bright side and enjoy it.”
Most players have something happen to them on the court that makes them realize that they are playing in the pros, but Jaquez Jr. was quick to learn that the NBA is a business. It can be brutal, but it is also a big part of the job.
“I think it’s just all a learning experience, especially in your first year. There’s so much going on. There’s a lot of travel and preparation for games. Learn, forget quickly, and then move on to the next thing. That’s what I’ve learned so far. You’re going to have some losses. You’ve got to erase them with a short memory and get on to the next one.”
So far with Miami, he is averaging 11.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He is also shooting 39.3 percent from three-point land, which was an area people wanted to see improvement in.
If he can continue this great start, he will earn more playing time as the year goes on. And we could possibly see him show what he can do during the playoffs as well.
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