Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. is unlikely to play for Mexico’s men’s national team in the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers this summer, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. says he doesn’t think he will play for Mexico in Olympic qualifying this summer.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) May 3, 2024
Jaquez was previously asked about his intent to play for Mexico’s national team in December.
At the time, the now 23-year-old said: “I don’t know yet.”
“That’s something that I’m going to have to look at during the future,” he continues. “(A) talk with me and my team. But it’s something I’m looking forward to do eventually in the future.”
Even then, Jaquez appeared to be leaning towards not suiting up for the Olympic Qualifiers. However, he was also just a month into his rookie season. Frankly, he may not have even been thinking that far ahead until the topic was broached.
Now that the Heat’s season has ended, Jaquez has plenty of time to think. Yet, because injuries played such a significant role in their lackluster playoff run, both he and the team may feel a need to be cautious.
Will Jaime Jaquez Jr. Play for Mexico?
If Jaquez doesn’t suit up for Mexico’s national team, it’ll be a major disappointment. Not only is he currently the only Mexican-American player in the NBA, he’s pretty good.
In his rookie season, Jaquez averaged 11.9 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. He also shot a blistering 48.9 percent from the field while getting his buckets in a variety of ways. Among players in the 2023 NBA Draft class to average at least 10 minutes per game, he ranks seventh in both points per game and field goal percentage. That’s not bad at all considering he was drafted 18th overall.
A bit older than most rookies after spending four seasons at UCLA, one could say that he had a slight advantage. Yet, despite being more NBA-ready than many one-and-don’t prospects, four-year college players tend to be looked down upon by scouts and front offices. Those that treat the NBA more like a business and less like a sports league are often the quickest to do so, focusing on how many years they can get out of a player rather than how many years said prospect can play at a high level.
In any case, Jaquez could be the most impactful player on the Mexican national team if he changes his mind.
As the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments take place from Jul. 2-7, he may have a bit of time to do that. Despite his hesitance, Mexico likely would want to have someone of his caliber available. The men’s national team hasn’t qualified for the Olympics since 1976 and hasn’t medaled in the Games since 1936.
