NBA Draft 2023: 5 underrated NCAA Basketball players to watch

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 10: Jaime Jaquez Jr. #24 of the UCLA Bruins brings the ball up the court against the Oregon Ducks in the first half of a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bruins defeated the Ducks 75-56. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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NBA Draft UCLA Bruins guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaime Jaquez Jr. – UCLA – 6’6, 220 lbs – February 2001

Consensus ranking: 28

My ranking: 18

Another long-time favorite of mine, Jaquez seems to be rising up NBA draft boards, while simultaneously giving the average scout some pause. The concerns are obvious and understandable. Jaquez is an old-school player, dominating college out of the post. He’s not super athletic, has yet to show he is an above average shooter, and doesn’t necessarily have one elite skill.

What Jaquez has proven is that he’s just a flat-out good basketball player. A proven winner, helping rebuild UCLA in his four years there, Jaquez was one of college basketball’s best. He’s a high-feel player, makes smart rotations, and is a willing ball-mover. He’s got a terrific knack for rebounding and finding loose balls.

While some question his fit, I think he actually fits most NBA teams. With his size and physicality, he can play both the three and four. Jaquez had a high-usage rate in college, but I think he can be scaled back into a connecting, glue guy piece and he has a lot of characteristics NBA teams look for in role players. The shooting does have to tick up a bit for him to reach his full potential, but I’m a believer in the jumper. I’d understand rolling the dice on a younger, more athletic prospect, but I think when we look back in a redraft 10 years from now, Jaquez will wind up as a top-20 player in this class.

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