Drew Peterson, pursuing NBA dream, joins former USC rival in Miami
The Miami Heat signed USC Trojan guard Drew Peterson to an Exhibit 10 deal after the 2023 NBA draft came to an end. Interestingly enough, Peterson will join former UCLA star Jaime Jaquez Jr., who was selected in the first round by the Heat at No. 18.
Of course, Jaquez and Peterson have gone against each other quite a bit as Los Angeles basketball rivals. Now they will team up, possibly in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League.
Jaquez was long discussed as a first-round selection after finishing his final UCLA season by averaging 17.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
In the final UCLA-USC meeting of the past season, Jaquez had 15 points and eight rebounds on 5-10 shooting from the field. However, Peterson had 16 points on 6-10 shooting as the Trojans got the 13-point upset victory at the Galen Center.
Now, the two Heat teammates will have plenty to discuss from their college days. Peterson has a lot of work to do to earn a roster spot, but an Exhibit 10 deal gives the Heat the chance to convert to a two-way contract, so there is a path to Peterson getting playing time in the G League, at least.
