Mick Cronin provides latest on Jaime Jaquez injury, Tyger Campbell talks emotional impact

UCLA advanced to the Sweet 16 with a victory over Saint Mary’s on Saturday. While the Bruins celebrate their achievement, it wasn’t all good news from their win — star guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. left the game with an apparent leg injury.

Afterwards, UCLA coach Mick Cronin provided the latest on Jaquez’s unfortunate injury.

“We got until Friday to play. And trust me, if he can walk, he’ll play,” stated Cronin. “I know him. He’ll probably — most guys that have what he has would have sat the rest of the season out. So, he’s got some issues. Plus, he’s had so many sprained ankles. I don’t know how much he can sprain it anymore. So we’ll see. Fortunately, we got until next Friday.”

As you can see, Cronin was slightly positive when speaking about the injury. Additionally, the UCLA coach stated that he believes in his players — with or without Jaquez on the hardwood.

“He, obviously, we play through him a lot on offense,” stated Cronin. “But I just told Jalen Clark and Payton, these guy will tell you, these guys got talent and these guys are still playing. So, obviously, you want Jaime to be healthy. But if he’s not, we got other guys we can play.

“As you saw down the stretch, Jalen Clark has had some big-time games for us. And Payton is really playing well of late, really playing well of late. His defensive and length, it makes a big, big difference for us. And he’s just slowed down offensively. So when he doesn’t turn it over, I can keep him out there, so. But hopefully he plays.

“But he’s one of the assets, what he gives to our team. He’s one of the best players in the country.”

Evidently, Cronin is keeping the good vibes alive, even with Jaquez going down with an injury. He wasn’t the only one trying to do so, as star UCLA guard Tyger Campbell stated he’s hopeful his teammate will be available for the Sweet 16.

“You know, it’s rough whenever a guy goes down on either team,” stated Campbell. “But to see Jaime go down, I was watching him. It was good to see him to be able to walk off the court. Our guys were helping him.

“So, all we can do is come together. He’s going to get the treatment he needs, he’s going to get the rehab he needs, and hopefully he’ll be good by Friday.”

UCLA faithful will watch with hopeful eyes for news regarding Jaime Jaquez. Mick Cronin, Tyger Campbell and the entire Bruins family will be better if he can suit-up for UCLA in their Sweet 16 showdown against North Carolina.