From Hawaii to the National Stage: The Rise of Jason “JJ” Mandaquit Jr

Jason “JJ” Mandaquit Jr. is quickly emerging as one of the most intriguing guard prospects in America and he’s doing it from a place rarely seen on basketball scouting maps: Hilo, Hawaii.

A dynamic 6’1” point guard, Mandaquit’s journey began under the watchful eye of his father, Jason Sr., who once starred at Hilo High. By middle school, JJ was already a standout, showing the court vision, leadership, and fearless competitive edge that would define his game.

Chasing Bigger Challenges

After an impressive freshman season at ‘Iolani School, where he dominated Hawaii’s prep scene, the family made a major decision: move to Utah. At Utah Prep, one of the premier programs on the Grind Session circuit, JJ faced top-tier national talent nightly. The move paid off.

In the 2023-24 season, he earned Offensive Player of the Year honors, thriving against some of the best prospects in the country. His IQ, change of pace, and knack for reading defenses made him a nightmare matchup.

Wearing USA Across His Chest

Mandaquit’s success didn’t go unnoticed. In June 2023, he was named to the USA Basketball U16 team, representing his country at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico. There, he showcased his elite playmaking, helping lead Team USA to gold while averaging impressive assist numbers.

A year later, he competed again on the international stage at the FIBA U17 World Cup, including a statement performance with 10 assists against Italy.

Recruitment Heating Up

Now a consensus four-star recruit in the class of 2025, ranked among the top 60 players nationwide, Mandaquit has drawn offers from programs such as Stanford, Tennessee, Louisville, Washington State, and Virginia. Coaches rave about his poise, vision, and his “on-ball hawk” defensive tenacity.

Off the Court: Giving Back

Despite the growing spotlight, JJ remains grounded. He’s actively involved in community initiatives, serving on the Jr. NBA’s Court of Leaders and even representing youth voices on the NBA’s committee for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award. Last year, he returned to Hawaii to host a free basketball camp for local kids a testament to his roots and his family-first mentality. What’s Next?

For a kid from Hilo, Mandaquit’s path has already defied the odds. As his senior year approaches and college decisions loom, he’s not just chasing personal accolades.

He’s determined to inspire the next wave of Hawaii hoopers and prove that elite basketball talent can come from anywhere.