Former UCLA Bruins guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. is off to an impressive start to his second season in the NBA with the Miami Heat, where he was drafted 18th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. As his career grows, so does his time on the floor, where he is currently playing major roles for a story franchise.

Jaquez is averaging 21.1 minutes per game and 8.3 points per game off the bench. He took on the role of one of the first players to come off the bench and make an impact. The Heat are currently 14-13 and are sixth in the Eastern Conference with hopes of making the playoffs again.

After a four-year career with the Bruins from 2019 to 2023, where he helped lead the Bruins to a Final Four appearance and helped them to the PAC 12 regular season title in his senior season. He averaged 13.4 points per game for his career with an impressive 47.5% field goal percentage.

The Camarillo, California native surpassed 1,000 professional points this season and has been a pleasant surprise in the league. At 6-6, 225 pounds, Jaquez has the size and ability to become a deep threat for opposing teams. He’s heading in the right direction with more action.