JJ Mandaquit, USA Basketball u16 PG, talks recruitment

When On3 asked top-25 point guard Cayden Boozer who he was most impressed with at USA Basketball u16 Training Camp, he did not hesitate, “JJ Mandaquit.”

“JJ has really impressed me,” Boozer told On3. “I’ve played against him in AAU and stuff, but seeing him here, controlling everything around him. As a point guard, competing against him, it’s gotten me a lot better too.”

When the final rosters were announced for the USA Basketball u16 team on Thursday, many of the names were well-known. Most already had numerous high major offers and stars beside their names in the rankings. Mandaquit is the No. 57 player in the 2025 On3 75. He is not currently ranked by any other recruiting services. His recruitment is also just beginning.

“Right now, I have offers from Hawai’i, Washington State, Portland, and Stanford,” Mandaquit said.

Mandaquit, who is originally from Hilo, Hawai’i, averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.9 steals per game and shot 38 percent playing a national schedule for Real Salt Lake (UT) this season.

“I’ve gotten more athletic and stronger over the last year,” Mandaquit said. “And then my pace, the game has really slowed down for me, and I’m not getting rushed as things develop.”

Mandaquit talks USA Basketball u16 Trainging Camp

Five-star 2025 forward and USA Basketball u16 teammate Koa Peat echoed what Boozer said about Mandaquit.

“JJ’s versatility is impressive,” Peat said. “Just his being able to push it in fast breaks and create opportunities for others is very special.”

Mandaquit participated in the USA Basketball Junior National Team October minicamp. From there, he was then one of the thirty-five players invited to the training camp in Colorado Springs.

“I knew coming in that everyone is super high level here,” Mandaquit said. “So, I’ve just been trying to do the little things, play great defense, and take care of the ball. I’m a floor general and versatile. I look to get people into their positions and pick up full court.”

Four-star center and USA Basketball u16 team finalist Jaden Toombs played with Mandaquit a lot during the training camp. Like Peat and Boozer, when Toombs was asked who has impressed him in camp, he was quick to answer.

“JJ Mandaquit,” Toombs said. “He’s not the biggest or the fastest, but he goes out and plays hard, and he has heart. I like playing with him.”

Mandaquit talks recruitment

“I’ll be looking for a coaching staff that really believes in me and how I play,” Mandaquit said. “I want to play in a fast-paced system and in a very competitive program that likes to win.”