Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been named to Team USA’s Select Team, a significant recognition for the young forward. As the Miami Heat’s representation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Bam Adebayo and Erik Spoelstra are joined by Jaquez, who will help the national team prepare for the games. The 15-man Select Team roster, announced on Friday, includes Jaquez following an impressive rookie season with the Heat.
The Select Team, which includes Jaquez, Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons), Cooper Flagg (Duke University), Langston Galloway (Free Agent), Nigel Hayes-Davis (Fenerbahçe, Turkey), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Golden State Warriors), Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets), Trey Murphy (New Orleans Pelicans), Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings), Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors), Micah Potter (Utah Jazz/Salt Lake City Stars), Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics), Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston Rockets), Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic), and Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets), will train with the main Team USA roster from July 6-8 in Las Vegas. This preparation is crucial for Team USA’s Olympic campaign, which kicks off with a five-game exhibition schedule starting July 10 against Canada.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., a Los Angeles native with Mexican and Norwegian heritage, is one of the few players of Mexican descent to play in the NBA. At 19, he played for Mexico’s national team at the Pan American Games. Now, he steps up to assist Team USA in their Olympic preparation. His inclusion in the Select Team highlights his growth and potential after being drafted 18th overall by the Heat last year. In his rookie season, Jaquez averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and one steal per game, shooting 48.9% from the field and 32.2% from beyond the arc in 75 games, including 20 starts. His performance earned him the first two Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards of the season.
The USA Basketball Men’s National Team program has a history of utilizing Select Teams for major international competitions since 2006. This year’s Select Team, featuring Jaquez, is the ninth such team. Previous Select Team members now on the Olympic roster include Devin Booker (2016), Kevin Durant (2008), Anthony Edwards (2021), Tyrese Haliburton (2021), Jrue Holiday (2012), and Kawhi Leonard (2012). The Select Team is coached by Orlando Magic’s Jamahl Mosley, with assistant coaches Jim Boylen from the Indiana Pacers and Matt Painter from Purdue.
For Jaquez, being part of the Select Team is a testament to his talent and potential. It provides a platform to further hone his skills and gain invaluable experience alongside some of the best players in the NBA. Training with Team USA’s main roster offers exposure to high-level competition and coaching, crucial for his development. This opportunity not only elevates his status within the NBA but also places him in the national spotlight, enhancing his career trajectory.
Moreover, Jaquez’s role in the Select Team reflects the Miami Heat’s ongoing contribution to Team USA. The Heat previously had Tyler Herro on the 2021 Select Team, with Spoelstra as head coach. This continuity underscores the franchise’s commitment to developing players who can perform at the highest levels, both domestically and internationally.
Jaquez’s involvement in the Select Team aligns with the broader objectives of USA Basketball, aiming to create a pipeline of talent capable of competing globally. His journey from a promising rookie season to being named to the Select Team exemplifies his hard work and potential. As he trains with Team USA, Jaquez will not only refine his skills but also bring back valuable experience to the Heat, contributing to their future success.
In summary, Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s selection to Team USA’s Select Team is a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. It reflects his impressive performance with the Miami Heat and provides a unique opportunity to grow alongside elite talent, further cementing his place in the NBA and international basketball.
