By MATT WHITFIELD
DENVER — J.J. Mandaquit was perhaps a tad under the radar prior to winning a gold mead with Team USA in the FIBA U16 Americas Championship this summer.
Mandaquit, has now seen his recruitment pick up and is taking on a leadership role with his Utah Prep team.
“Leadership is most important with this team as there are no seniors,” said Mandaquit. “And then I am one of the only returnees on the team, so I want to focus on and continue being a leader.”
Starting every game and having a solid performance with Team USA in the FIBA U16 Americas Championship has only helped Mandaquit’s recognition and recruitment as well.
“A lot more schools have been reaching out,” said Mandaquit. “Of the schools that have been reaching out I think it is getting a little more serious. Obviously it is a big junior year so I think as time goes on, we will really see who’s making me a priority. “
Mandaquit has taken two officials to Hawaii and Washington State thus far with no other officials planned currently. He is in frequent communication with other schools as well. “There’s a bunch that reach out quite often,” said Mandaquit. “UCLA is reaching out. Creighton, obviously just reached out, Mississippi State, LSU, the Utah schools, and Arizona.” Mandaquit’s Utah Prep team plays a loaded scheduled with most games on the road and for the time being he is just focused on that. “I just want to focus on this high school season,” said Mandaquit. “We have a super busy November and December schedule, so get through this and see if I want to take some visits.” Follow Matt on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on Facebook2025 PG JJ Mandaquit can go! Highlights from Grind Session Denver 👀 @jjmandaquit23 @thegrindsession @UtahPrepHoops pic.twitter.com/7LObjhF6b7
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) November 19, 2023
