Top Recruits: 2025 JJ Mandaquit
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Question (EYBLS): What's been the biggest change going from your sophomore to junior season at Utah Prep?
JJ Mandaquit (JJ): For me personally I spent a lot of time working on my body. I’m about 25 pounds heavier than last year so that’s helped me a lot. I feel stronger when I play and that helps me get to my spots easier and be a more physical defender. I also feel a lot more confident having played another year here on the mainland against some of the best players and teams in the country. My experience with Team USA U16 this past summer has also given me a lot of confidence, it’s also given me more motivation knowing that opportunities like that only happen from the hard work you put in.
EYBLS: Have you seen a lot of interest coming yet from EYBL Scholastic High School programs? If so, which ones have been on you the most?
JJ: I haven’t heard anything directly from any other schools or programs. I know that a few people who are connected to some of the programs in the EYBL Scholastic League have reached out to my dad, but I’m not sure how serious or the exact context of their conversations have been.
"A few people who are connected to some of the programs in the EYBL Scholastic League have reached out to my dad..."
JJ speaks vaguely on recruitment from EYBL Scholastic programs
EYBLS: What is travel ball looking like for you this summer? Do you have a circuit and team set? What excites you most about the circuit you’re on?
JJ: This summer I’ll be playing with the Compton Magic on the Adidas circuit. I’m excited for this year as it’ll be my last spring/summer of club ball. Etop put together a great roster and has really made me feel like family which is really important to me. While going through USA camp last summer, Koa Peat and I found out we’re related so getting the chance to play with him this summer is going to be a cool experience for our families.
EYBLS: How would you describe your game for people who haven’t seen you go before?
JJ: Every time I step on the court I just want to do whatever I can to help my team win. The most common thing I hear from people is that I have an old school game. I’m not flashy, I rely on my fundamentals that I’ve learned growing up. I try to keep things simple but effective. I embrace being a true point guard who can make the game easier for my teammates and put them in situations for them to be successful. I take pride in my defense and I’ve worked on my shooting a lot. I feel like I can score when needed, but making a great pass for an easy basket is what I enjoy the most.
"My heroes are my parents..."
- JJ points to his family sacrificing to help him chase his dreams
EYBLS: As you’re about to finish your sophomore year, what’s the area you know you need to grow in the most?
JJ: I don’t think you can ever be a good enough shooter. That’s the thing I’ll always focus on the most. I do want to continue to work on my body, getting stronger and more athletic. Another thing that will help me a lot that I want to focus on is my conditioning. The longer I can be on the court giving max effort the more I can help my team be successful.
EYBLS: Who is your personal hero? Why?
JJ: My heroes are my parents. They have sacrificed a lot to help me chase my dreams and aspirations of becoming the best basketball player I can be.
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