Jaime Jaquez Jr. (born February 18, 2001, in Irvine, California) is a professional basketball player who plays as a small forward and shooting guard for the Miami Heat in the NBA. He played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins from 2019 to 2023, earning honors such as the Pac-12 Player of the Year and a consensus second-team All-American selection in his senior year. Jaquez was drafted by the Miami Heat with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.
In his rookie season, Jaquez made an immediate impact, starting in multiple games and contributing significantly to the team’s success. He was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month twice and participated in the Rising Stars Challenge during the All-Star Weekend. His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Jaquez embraces his Mexican heritage. In his second NBA season, he continued to excel, participating in events like the Rising Stars Challenge and maintaining strong performance metrics. His popularity extends internationally, as evidenced by his jersey becoming the best-selling NBA jersey in Mexico.
Jaquez’s journey reflects a blend of athletic excellence and cultural pride, making him a notable figure both in the NBA and within the Latinx community.