Mandaquit could suit up for Gilas if given the opportunity.
Gilas Pilipinas may have found their point guard for the future.
Speaking on the Let It Fly Podcast, former Gilas coach Chot Reyes talked about the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ efforts to ensure that Filipinos in the US have their passports before they turn 16 years old.
Reyes called out those who have been criticizing the SBP for being unable to secure some top Fil-Am prospects.
“A lot of people are saying the national team or the SBP doesn't have any program, I beg your pardon,” said Reyes. “You should see the pipeline that we have and we already have kids who already have their Filipino passports before they turned 16.”
Reyes then recalled 16-year-old Mandaquit, who played for the Team USA’s U16 squad in the FIBA U16 Americas Championship, as one of the players who was able to get a Filipino passport.
“The starting point guard of the US under-16 team, JJ Mandaquit, he already has his Filipino passport before 16, so if he decides, when he goes senior, he'll be [able] to play for the Philippine national team,” said Reyes.
For the tournament, Mandaquit averaged 3.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as Team USA bagged the gold medal in convincing fashion.
Mandaquit’s performance last season for Real Salt Lake Academy in Utah has garnered significant attention, with reports indicating that he's been approached by Division I college programs like Hawaii, Portland, Stanford, and Washington State for potential offers.
Aside from this, Mandaquit also showcased his skills at the 2023 SMART-NBTC National Finals, where he maintained an average of 16.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 3.8 steals over five games while playing for the Fil-Am Nation Select team.
However, it's important to note that playing for Gilas is contingent on Mandaquit no longer representing Team USA in the U18 or senior teams.
Gilas fans will be hoping that the talented prospect will decide to suit up for the Philippines in the future.
(CF)