Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. received a special honor on Monday as he was invited to the White House for President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden’s Cinco de Mayo reception.
During the reception, Jaquez spoke on Mexican-American history and tradition before introducing President Biden to the crowd.
“I stand here before you on the shoulders of giants,” Jaquez said (3:20 mark). “There are generations of proud and incredibly accomplished Mexican Americans that came before me. I am proud to continue their legacy and continue to push the traditions of Mexican Americans that make the spirit of our people so great. A tradition and spirit that is principled on hard work, a strong moral code and the importance of family. Thank you, President Biden and the administration for celebrating our community and all our contributions here today.”
President Biden @POTUS
Join Jill and me as we host a Cinco de Mayo reception at the White House. https://t.co/R9FMkOypO4
President Biden thanked Jaquez for the introduction and commended him for a great rookie season, also joking that “future generations will stand” on Jaquez’s 6’6″ shoulders.
Along with Jaquez, Mexican actor Cristo Fernandez, who plays Danny Rojas in Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso, was in attendance for the Cinco de Mayo celebration.
The appearance at the White House comes after an outstanding rookie year from Jaquez, the No. 18 pick out of UCLA. Jaquez averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.