UCLA senior Jaime Jaquez Jr. on Thursday told Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2023 NBA draft.
Jaquez was a consensus second-team All-American after averaging 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals on 48.1% shooting from the field. He was also recognized as the Pac-12 Player of the Year and was a semifinalist for the Naismith Player of the Year Trophy.
The 6-foot-7 forward helped the Bruins win the Pac-12 championship and earn the 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament. The team advanced to the Sweet 16 and fell to Gonzaga on a game-winning 3-pointer by Julian Strawther.
Bruin 4 life 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/1nvJZCKvsE
— Jaime Jaquez Jr (@jaquez_jr) April 6, 2023
Jaquez emerged as a tremendous scorer and will finish his four years with the program ranked eighth in career points (1,802), eighth in steals (178) and 11th in rebounding (842). He is one of nine Bruins players to rank among the 15 all-time leaders in scoring and rebounding.
He is projected to be a second-round pick this year. In addition to his scoring ability, teams will be intrigued by his 6-foot, 11-inch wingspan on the defensive end of the floor. He has the potential to develop into a 3-and-D player.
Jaquez emerged as a productive player and made great improvements over his four years in college. He now hopes to continue that momentum and find success at the next level.
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