In a recent podcast episode of JJ Redick. Miami Heat‘s young prospect Jamie Jaquez Jr was invited as a guest. Jamie shared his thoughts on the path less traveled, which is staying 4 years in college before entering the NBA draft, while the trend leans towards younger players declaring early.
Jaquez Jr. challenged this, highlighting successful players who took a different path. Jaquez is a senior standout from UCLA. He spent 4 years in college which is considered a disadvantage in NBA today. Jaquez appreciated the trend of one-and-done prospects, but he also focused on staying on course in the NCAA.
Jaquez Champions Individuality Over Following the Herd
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“I don’t know honestly, maybe I would say that staying four years is kind of an anomaly nowadays, but at the same time, everyone’s path is different,” Jaquez said on the podcast. “There are guys in the league today that have played four years in college and have great careers. Jalen Brunson for example, Josh Richardson, and there are plenty on my team. Malcolm Brogdon played four years I think so. There are plenty of guys who have done it and I don’t want to say I am the only one or the one who is starting it.”
“It’s not for everybody,” Jaquez continued. “You get freshman nowadays who go for number one pick, I am all for that, just whatever path you feel like that’s best for you and that’s the message I try to preach.” Jaquez acknowledged the benefit of going straight into the draft. However, he also underscores the importance of individual choice and highlights the value of a complete college career for those who can benefit from it. Jamie gave the example of Jaylen Brown who stayed 3 years in college before being drafted as 3rd overall in 2016 draft.
Jamie has been incredible this season for the Miami Heat; he has played as super sub. Jaquez Jr has scored 12.3 Points per game along with 4.0 rebounds per game and 2.6 assists per game. The numbers don’t reflect the impact he has had on the game coming as a substitute.
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Jaquez Isn’t Bothered by the Anomaly Label
The NBA landscape has undergone a significant shift in recent years. The influx of young talent directly from high school, bypassing the traditional college route, has become increasingly common. This trend was fueled by the “one-and-done” rule implemented in 2006. This rule restricts players from entering the NBA draft until they are at least one year removed from their high school graduation.
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Young stars like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, who entered the NBA directly from high school, revolutionized the game. But there are signs that the tides are turning for recent examples such as Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, Jaylen Brown. They are benefited from the structured environment of college basketball, developing their skills and gaining valuable experience before entering the NBA. Jaquez demonstrates that staying in college can be a viable path to an NBA career.
