UCLA basketball star, Jaime Jaquez Jr., has announced his decision to declare for the NBA draft, foregoing his remaining year of eligibility with the Bruins. Jaquez, who was named Pac-12 Player of the Year and earned consensus second-team All-America honors, helped lead UCLA to a 31-6 record, a conference championship, and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA tournament.
While Jaquez’s stability, production, and toughness have been selling points for scouts, questions remain about his ability to separate in the NBA, particularly if his three-point shooting doesn’t improve. Nonetheless, at 6’7″ with solid size on the wing, he is an enticing two-way prospect who can score inside the arc, which could translate to him being a small-ball 4 until his shot becomes more reliable.
Jaquez is undeterred by the prospect of a role change at the next level and believes he can make a smooth transition by playing with other great players and doing whatever it takes to win.
He sees himself as an underrated passer and believes in his shooting ability and the work he’s put in. If his perimeter shot improves enough, he could become a true 3-and-D wing, a highly sought-after commodity in today’s NBA.
Overall, Jaquez’s decision to enter the draft makes sense given his accomplishments and potential upside. It remains to be seen where he will land in the draft, but he has the skills and attitude to make an impact at the next level.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Declares for NBA Draft: A Closer Look at the NBA Potential
Jaquez was a standout player for UCLA, winning the Pac-12 Player of the Year award in 2022-23 and being named a consensus second-team All-America selection. He averaged 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from three.
He also led UCLA to a 31-6 record, a regular-season conference championship, and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Jaquez is 6-foot-7 with a 6-11 wingspan and has the ability to finish through contact in the paint and is a midrange specialist. He is also a versatile defender who can guard all five positions on the court.
Bruin 4 life 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/1nvJZCKvsE
— Jaime Jaquez Jr (@jaquez_jr) April 6, 2023
If he can improve his shooting range, he could find success as a 3-and-D wing in the NBA. Jaquez has compared himself to Jimmy Butler and Josh Hart and has represented Mexico in international basketball events.
