Jaime Jaquez Jr. was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (Jamie Squire via Getty Images)
With the start of the NBA season next week, the adventure of Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the best basketball in the world. Jáquez has already become the first Mexican selected in the first round of the Draft, he had an outstanding collegiate career and at 22 years old he is seen as an important professional prospect.
Born in California, but of Mexican descent, “Triple J,” as he is known, is the greatest basketball prospect for Mexico since Eduardo Nájera arrived in the NBA in 2000.
A successful collegiate career
Thanks to his talent on the court, Jáquez Jr. was recruited by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he contributed significantly during his four seasons. In his final season, Jáquez averaged 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds to lead the team in both categories. Additionally, he was voted second-team All-American and Pac 12 Conference Player of the Year.
Jaime also helped the Bruins reach the 2021 Final Four, where they would fall to Gonzaga in one of the best duels in Final Four history, although the last two seasons they stayed in the round of 16, being surprised on both occasions by teams seeded below UCLA.
Jáquez has already made history
Without yet stepping on the court in a regular season game, Jáquez Jr. has already made history by being the highest Mexican selected in the NBA Draft, being drafted in 18th position by the Miami Heat, breaking Eduardo Nájera’s record. , who heard his name called at pick 38, chosen by the Houston Rockets.
Jaime Jáquez Jr. was invited to the green room during the NBA Draft. Only a few prospects are sought to attend. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Given his outstanding collegiate career, it was anticipated that the Mexican would be selected at the end of the first round or the beginning of the second, but the 18th position was a pleasant surprise, a little earlier than several experts estimated.
In Miami, the wing will seek to adapt quickly to a team that has championship aspirations, but that has veteran elements close to the table. The arrival of Jáquez will add new blood to the paint and give more depth to the team. As evidenced by the Denver Nuggets’ title win last year, having a deep bench has become a necessity to compete in the postseason.
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Adaptation to the NBA
Jaime Jáquez Jr. has seen action during the preseason with the Miami Heat. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) (Thearon W. Henderson via Getty Images)
Beyond perhaps not yet being such a well-known name in the NBA (normally, he is a rookie and was not among the first 5 overall selections) Jaquez Jr.’s potential has been evident with his recent signing with the Jumpman clothing brand , belonging to Michael Jordan.
Despite this, all rookies who come to the NBA have to go through an adaptation period. The speed of the game, the size and aggressiveness of the rivals and the defensive systems will be some points to which the UCLA product will have to adapt, although it is possible that due to his maturity and style of play, it will not take him too long to receive minutes in the game. of the floor
“Triple J” could experience a process similar to that of Nikola Jovic, the Heat’s first pick last year, who collaborated for short periods. There are two factors that could separate his experience from Jovic’s: with four years of NCAA experience he would arrive more prepared to play in the NBA and there are no players on the team with the skill set that the Mexican has
Another factor that will influence his playing time is that he joins an established team. The Heat are runners-up in the NBA, and have figures like Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson, Bam Adebayo and Kevin Love in the front of their lineup, which could delay their impact on the floor. Still, the expectations to have a solid career are there, and this first season promises to be just the beginning for Jáquez.
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