But will JJ Mandaquit don a Gilas Pilipinas jersey in the future? Never say never.
JJ Mandaquit continues to make some noise overseas.
Mandaquit has been named to the Team USA roster for the upcoming FIBA Men’s U-17 World Cup on June 29 to July 7 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Mandaquit joins a squad bannered by brothers Cameron and Cayden Boozer, sons of ex-NBA player Carlos Boozer, to name a few.
It marked the second straight time that the 6-foot-1 guard was tapped to represent the American youth national team, after suiting up for the U16 team that won gold in the 2023 FIBA Americas championships in Mexico.
The U.S. team has not dropped a single game in FIBA U17 World Cup competition– holding an immaculate record of 44-0 record and six championships– since the tournament debuted in 2010.
In last year’s edition, Mandaquit averaged 3.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as Team USA bagged the gold medal in convincing fashion. He started in all six contests for the team.
Mandaquit has been on the radar of former Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes ever since, who said that the young hooper also secured a Filipino passport before he turned 16 and can play for Gilas Men if he decided to.
“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 last year.
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Our Gilas Youth will also play in the tournament against Lithuania in Group A while Team USA will start their campaign against France in Group B play on June 29.