UCLA Basketball: NBA Rookie Of The Year Contender Jaime Jaquez Praises Bruins Years

The rookie has been setting his own path in the NBA!

One of UCLA's finest has been dominating the NBA in his rookie season. Former Bruins forward Jamie Jaquez Jr. has been showing off his entire skillset, making the most of his opportunity after being drafted with the No. 18 pick by the Miami Heat.

However, he credited his time with the Bruins for helping him get ready for the NBA. The rookie forward learned a lot during his tenure with UCLA and is thankful for his time there, per Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports.

“It helped [playing all four years] just learning how to win, learning to play the right way,” Jaquez told Yahoo Sports. “Something I learned under coach [Mick] Cronin is the little games within the game and what it takes to win and knowing when to make the right play and things like that. That stuff really translates when you’re coming into an organization that’s looking to win right away.”

Through 33 games with the Heat, Jaquez is averaging 13.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. The most impressive part of his game has been his ability to knock down three-pointers, shooting 35.4% from the field.

“I kind of focus and do my own path and everyone has their own way to this league,” Jaquez said. “Mine just happened to take a little bit longer than some others and that’s fine.”

He has fit in with the Heat immensely well, and his play has justified their decision to draft him. Miami is one of the better-run organizations in the league, and it's been a perfect fit for the former Bruin.

Jaquez is trying to help the Heat get back to the NBA Finals. He wanted to be a big piece of why they finished the deal this time around, and it heavily motivates him.

“As a rookie my teammates always tell me, ‘You inherit the team before you,’ and they were in the Finals last year and their job is to try and get back,” Jaquez said. “So I’m inheriting that and trying to push and do whatever I can to help stay on top and try to make it back to the Finals and win.”

If Jaquez can continue his success, he will have a strong case for the Rookie of the Year award. But even more importantly, he is establishing himself as a key member of this Miami team for years to come.