By Dante Iafrate
@Dante_Iafrate
From small-town Hilo, Hawaii, all the way to the national stage, Utah Prep point guard JJ Mandaquit has emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects in the country. A 6-foot-1, 196-pound floor general with an impressive basketball IQ and great leadership skills, Mandaquit solidifies his place among the best players in the class of 2025.
Being born into a melting pot of Filipino, Chinese, and Hawaiian heritage, Mandaquit’s story is highly relatable to many. His path to greatness started making its ripples early on, as he received his first Division-I scholarship offer at the age of 14. The offer by the University of Portland marked the beginning of a meteoric rise for the Asian-American sensation, often regarded as Hawaii’s best point guard prospect in over 20 years. Comparisons hark back to Derrick Low, another Hawaiian basketball legend.
“It means a lot [being compared to Low], Hawaii is everything to me and the place that I come from. I try to represent it the best that I can everywhere I go on and off the court.”
With receiving praise at such a young age, most hoopers feel a sense of pressure that comes with that. Mandquit, he doesn’t see it that way.
“I wouldn’t say pressure, there are expectations,” Mandaquit said. “It’s a good thing. I think just a lot of personal expectations for myself, it keeps me going and motivates me to work harder.”
Mandaquit’s on-court talent speaks for itself. A two-time gold medalist with Team USA, he played an integral part in the U16 team that won the 2023 FIBA Americas Championship and the U17 team that claimed gold in the 2024 FIBA World Cup. Teaming with elite players such as AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s top recruit, and twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer, Mandaquit pulled his weight with what was called one of the most talented youth basketball teams ever assembled.
“It’s helped me adapt to playing with different players, and I feel like it’s just made me a better overall player and allowed me to help others succeed,” Mandaquit said.
Continuing to play for Utah Prep Academy in Manti, Utah, JJ has extended an already impressive body of work against the best competition. Utah Prep’s roster is full of talent, including Dybantsa, whose commitment only elevated the national profile of the team. For Mandaquit, playing with the best has sharpened his game and underscored his ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. Whether it’s orchestrating the offense, locking down opponents on defense, or making clutch plays, JJ’s all-around game consistently turns heads.
His time with the renowned Compton Magic, one of the top AAU programs in the country, further cemented his status as a player to watch. Competing against and alongside some of the best young talents in the country, he showed he could hold his own on both ends of the floor.
Mandaquit’s commitment to the University of Washington is the culmination of years of hard work and a testament to his potential at the next level. A four-star recruit ranked 48th nationally, 9th among point guards, and 3rd in the state of Utah, Mandaquit is poised to make an immediate impact for the Huskies. Known for his strength, leadership, and ability to run the offense, he’s exactly the type of player college programs covet.
Beyond the numbers and accolades, Mandaquit’s story is one of perseverance and pride. Representing Hawaii on a national stage, he’s become a role model for young athletes back home. His journey from receiving that first D1 offer at 14 years old to playing alongside the nation’s best is an inspiring tale of what’s possible with dedication and belief.
The more he rises, there’s little doubt that his story remains far from over. Whether it is leading Washington to new heights or chasing his dream of playing professionally, JJ Mandaquit is the one that should stick in the minds of any basketball enthusiast.
With a bright future ahead, Mandaquit combines skill, tenacity, and leadership to make him a force on the court for years to come. For now, he remains focused on the journey, one game at a time and one goal at a time.