Mick Cronin reveals what he told NBA representative about Jaime Jaquez

UCLA forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. is one of the more unique players in college basketball. The 6-foot-6 senior is a queen on the Chess board. He can run the offense, spot up and knock down threes, work his way for easy twos out of the post…and he even plays some center for the Bruins since he’s such a physical force and strong rebounder. Jaquez is omni-capable as a hooper, which is why UCLA head coach Mick Cronin believes he’ll be the ultimate complementary piece in the NBA.

At a recent press conference, Coach Cronin took some time to sell whatever NBA scouts may be listening on his superstar’s potential at the next level.

“He’s got great talent. I told an NBA guy yesterday, if you want to win games, put him on your team,” said Cronin.

He knows Jaquez won’t be the star of his team in the NBA like he is in college. However, the amalgam of skills and physical traits Jaquez uses to be a versatile force in the Pac-12 will make him the perfect role player in the League — given that his lesser athleticism and slower feet don’t take too big a toll.

But per Cronin, the NBA is filled with guys who provide whatever’s missing in the way Jaquez does.

“There’s plenty of guys like him in the NBA. He’s not going to be your best player, but your coach and teammates are going to love him because he can do whatever you need him to do. Make shots, get a tough rebound, be a team guy, display great toughness. You just plug him in and play if you want to win. Or you can draft guys with potential and put them in the G League, but for a team that wants to win, he’s going to be an asset.”

High praise from Mick Cronin for Jaime Jaquez Jr. The senior do-it-all wing/forward/guard is still adding to his collegiate legacy and will hope to add a second Final Four and perhaps even a National Title to his belt before bolting for the NBA. Once he does, though, Cronin is certain he will find a place to stick as a low-maintenance, high-motor forward.