Prolonged NBA Draft Preparation Paid Off for UCLA Glider
A Recruiter’s Lens
For college basketball stars, timing is everything when making the leap to the NBA. For UCLA standout Jaime Jaquez Jr., it all came down to a matter of days. Despite testing the NBA waters last summer, Jaquez ultimately decided to return to Westwood for his senior season. The decision proved fortuitous as the 6’6 wing blossomed into a consensus All-American and led the Bruins to the Final Four.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Jaquez’s decision to stay in college was driven more by timing than NBA readiness. It wasn’t necessarily that he wasn’t ready for the NBA last year, Givony said. It was just that he had another year of eligibility left, and he could come back and improve his draft stock.
Increased Value, Enhanced Confidence
The extra year of seasoning paid off handsomely for Jaquez. He averaged 16.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 48.7% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. He also showcased improved leadership and decision-making skills, which undoubtedly raised his draft profile.
Reaping the Rewards
The culmination of Jaquez’s journey came on June 22, when he was selected 14th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2023 NBA Draft. His draft position reflects the significant strides he made during his final year at UCLA and the wisdom of his decision to return for another season.
As Jaquez begins his NBA career, he carries with him the lessons learned and the confidence gained during his time at UCLA. His story serves as a reminder that timing is crucial for young players aspiring to reach the highest levels of basketball.
Kind regards
L. Dyer
