Hawaii’s JJ Mandaquit set for U17 World Cup

Hilo native and former ‘Iolani standout JJ Mandaquit is set for his second consecutive summer with Team USA, this time suiting up for the national team at the 2024 U17 World Cup in Turkey.

Mandaquit made the final roster of 12 players, making the cut after entering a training camp that had rich basketball pedigree, featuring the sons of current and former NBA stars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Gilbert Arena, Trevor Ariza and Carlos Boozer.

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After leaving ‘Iolani after his freshman year to attend Utah Prep, Mandaquit will be a high school senior in the fall. The consensus four-star and Top 100 prospect has a bevy of scholarship offers to choose from, including from multiple Power Four schools.

But first, Mandaquit will aim for his second straight gold medal with Team USA, beginning with pool play against France on Saturday at 4:30 a.m. HST. In the recently completed 2024 NBA Draft, five total picks from France were selected, including four players in the first round, three in the top six, which included Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, the first two picks overall.

Making the team itself was a special moment for Mandaquit, the son of former Hilo state champion Jason Mandaquit.

“As soon as final cuts were announced, my dad was was here with me,” JJ Mandaquit said. “I just went out there and we shared a special moment, just to think how far all of us has gone. Not too long ago, I was just there in Hawaii. It’s just crazy to look back and see how far I’ve come.

“But just trying to take it one step at a time. Obviously last year it was a great experience, but that was the FIBA Americas. This year, to be able to do it on an even bigger stage, the World Cup stage, it’s just surreal and something that I’m looking forward to. Gold is the main objective. That’s the whole reason why I was selected to be on this team, just to go out there and win. But just on a personal level, these experiences are really once in a lifetime.

“These moments are super special. So, I just want to take it all in. Just be present in the moment. The relationships that I’m going to build in and hopefully keep for the rest of my life. Those are the things that I’m looking forward to.”