Commitment 2019: Jaime Jaquez Jr. to UCLA
CAMARILLO, Ca. – Jaime Jaquez Jr. of Camarillo High, the No. 2 prospect in the Prep Hoops/SoCal 2019 ratings, brought his recruiting to an abrupt halt Tuesday afternoon.
The 6-foot-6, the three-time all-CIF Southern Section, committed to UCLA, his father told Prep Hoops/SoCal.
It was to be the first of two commits from Steve Alford’s Bruins’ program.
Later in the afternoon, Jake Kyman of Santa Margarita – No. 3 in the Prep Hoops/SoCal ratings – also committed.
According to his father, Jaquez also gave strong consideration to USC, Stanford and UC Santa Barbara (just up the 101 Freeway from Camarillo).
“It seemed like a perfect fit and he really got along with Coach Alford and (assistant) Coach (Duane) Broussard,” his father said.
“So, we thought, ‘why wait?’ Let the other schools move onto other guys they are recruiting and not waste their time.”
Jaquez has been a stand for “The Truth” on the Nike/EYBL circuit for the past couple of years.
And, for those who saw Paul Pierce – the face of the program – play as a high school player in Southern California’s Inglewood High, there is a reasonable comparison to be made that Jaquez’s physical tools and basketball skills are comparable to the future Hall of Famer and current ESPN analysist.
As Pierce did as a McDonald’s All-American and California Player of the Year at Inglewood, Jaquez attacks defenders via potent off-the-dribble moves, a pull-up jumper and an aggressive and explosive ability to finish over the top of defenders for resounding dunks.
Jaquez has the ability to be an exceptional scorer and rebounder from the 2 (shooting guard), 3 (small forward/wing) or 4 (power forward) spots in college, via his skill on the dribble, his jump shot and vertical explosiveness