Jaime Jaquez Jr. is a Mexican-American professional basketball player who plays as a small forward and shooting guard for the Miami Heat in the NBA. Born on February 18, 2001, in Irvine, California, he stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds.
Early Life and Education
Jaquez attended Camarillo High School in California, where he earned multiple accolades, including first-team All-Pac-12 honors and a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team during his college career at UCLA.
Professional Career with the Miami Heat
In the 2023 NBA Draft, Jaquez was selected by the Miami Heat as the 18th overall pick, making him the first UCLA senior chosen in the first round since 2009. He signed with the Heat in July 2023 and began his rookie season in October. Despite a preseason groin injury limiting his minutes early on, Jaquez quickly made an impact.
He earned the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors for both October/November and December 2023. Notably, on December 25, he scored a career-high 31 points in a win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Recent Performance
In his second season, Jaquez continues to be a valuable asset for the Heat. He participated in the Rising Stars Challenge during the 2025 All-Star Weekend, reflecting his growing prominence in the league. His jersey became the best-selling in Mexico, highlighting his strong fan base and cultural impact.
Personal Background
Jaquez embraces his Mexican heritage, expressing pride in his cultural roots and aiming to serve as a role model for the Latinx community. His sister, Gabriela, shared MVP honors at the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Girls Game and later joined UCLA’s softball team.