Jaime Jaquez Jr. Discusses The Biggest Difference Between The NCAA And NBA

Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. made his NBA preseason debut last night, which exposed him to the biggest difference between college and the NBA

The Miami Heat selected UCLA forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. with the No. 18 pick, who got his first taste of the NBA last night in their preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets.

Following his debut, Jaquez spoke with reporters about what he believes is the biggest difference between the NCAA and NBA.

“It's just a shorter shot clock and a lot more up and down. I think is the biggest difference with college. It's a lot of a half-court game; thirty seconds on the shot clock. Guys just try and wait out the clock a lot, just try and get the best shot possible,” Jaquez said. “Here, you know, firing within the first 8 seconds, so I'd say that's the biggest difference, but I don't think it's anything too crazy.”

This adjustment will not take long for Jaquez, as he is praised for his basketball IQ. One difference he did not mention is the positional adjustment he will have. At UCLA, Jaquez spent much of his time at power forward, despite his 6-foot-7 frame.

He spent four seasons at UCLA before declaring, which made him one of the most NBA-ready players in the class. He was likely one of Miami’s top targets because of his ability to contribute right away.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

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