Jaime Jaquez, David Singleton discusses changing mindset for UCLA

UCLA followed two straight conference losses with two straight wins in the state of Washington, most recently defeating Washington State handily 76-52. Following their win, senior leaders Jaime Jaquez and David Singleton both spoke about what the difference has been with the Bruins as of late.

“I think in this game I feel like we took the pressure off ourselves. I think a lot of times as a team you get pressure from outside sources, media, people telling you this and that, I think today we came together as a group,” Jaquez said.

Jacquez also spoke about a crucial moment during the week led by Singleton that helped positively alter the mindset of the team and impact their most recent victory.

“I know Dave, he held us after one of our films and really just told us we just gotta play for each other, this is our team and this is what we want to do,” Jacquez said. “And I thought it was great, I thought we played with a lot different attitude, a lot more positive attitude. Not thinking about anything else but just winning the game and I think that’s what went into this game today.”

Singleton shared his side of the story as well, pulling back the curtain on what he shared with his teammates in his post film session message.

“So after film session, after we lost to USC, obviously we wanted to win it’s USC,” Singleton said. “So I held the players in the room and I told them we only have two more months together, pray to God we make it all the way, we only have two months with each other. So we have to value and cherish the game of basketball, not only for ourselves but for our families, for UCLA, we’re playing for something bigger than ourselves and I just stress that on the young guys.”

His message provided a fresh perspective for the Bruins, and clearly worked, defeating Washington and Washington State by double-digit scoring margins in their last two contests. In their game versus the Cougars, they dominated on both ends of the floor, celebrating a 24-point victory where they dominated in the field goal percentage, rebounding, and turnover battle along with on the scoreboard.

“Whether they see it or not yet, I just wanted to make them think about it. Obviously it had a positive effect on it so I’ll just be checking up on the guys tomorrow and see how they’re doing mentally and physically. Just telling them you have to put your all into it, you have to believe in each other, believe in the coaching staff, believe in yourself, and each other,” Singleton explained. “That’s what I said.”

Both Singleton and Jaquez are in the midst of their senior seasons with the Bruins, and with the regular season winding down and the conference and NCAA Tournaments right around the corner, are hoping to finish this season and their careers off strong.

“Also too I only have so many games left, Jaime only has so many games left. It’s not hitting me yet, but you know it’s creeping, it’s creeping there. So I decided I want to play my heart out tonight, I was trying to lead by example. It’s getting close to March as February goes on, so I got to teach the young guys what it takes to win. It’s not even about points, it’s about the hustle plays, the dirty plays,” Singleton concluded.