Hawaii's own JJ Mandaquit, an 'Iolani School alumnus turned Utah standout, is taking his hoops talents to the University of Washington, joining the Huskies' roster of promising athletes. Mandaquit, whose basketball journey has seen him swap island breezes for mountain air, made his commitment public via a social media announcement, as reported by KHON2. The 6-foot-1 guard had a bevy of collegiate options — having tantalized recruiters from prestigious programs across the country, including BYU, Cal, Creighton, Hawaii, Louisville, Tennessee, USC, and Virginia — before settling on Washington.
During his dynamic tenure at Utah Prep Academy, Mandaquit wasn't simply making his mark — he was scripting an emphatic narrative on and off the court. Recognized as the No. 3 prospect in the Utah State by 247Sports and positioned as the No. 50 recruit overall by On3 Sports, Mandaquit's hardwood prowess is well documented. Additionally, he's donned the red, white, and blue for the United States national team's point guard position for two consecutive summers, according to KHON2.
In choosing the Huskies, Mandaquit is set to play under the guidance of Coach Danny Sprinkle. Sprinkle’s reputation as a coach with a proven track record — from his tenure at Utah State to his promising outlook at Washington — has clearly resonated with the young prodigy. Given Sprinkle's ambition and Mandaquit’s confidence in the Huskies’ program, their relationship is clearly based on mutual expectations of excellence. "Coach Sprinkle has been successful everywhere he's coached and I believe in his plan for the program going forward," Mandaquit said in a statement obtained by KSL. He added, "I also believe in his vision for me within the program and his plan for me to develop individually."
Mandaquit's path has been anything but typical, a geographical hopscotch that has taken him from the island chains of Hawaii to the crisp climates of Utah. At Utah Prep on the Grind Session circuit, he showcased his ability to command the court, averaging impressive stats, including 15.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in the 2022-23 season. His progression, from a sophomore sensation to a must-watch senior, has set the stage for what Washington fans hope will be a game-changing collegiate career. "I feel like coach Sprinkle and the staff can help me achieve my goals as a player while in college and in the future to one day play professionally," Mandaquit told KSL. With such aspirations and the evident ability to back them up, Mandaquit is ready to stir the Pac-12 pot, and maybe — just maybe — beyond.
