Filipino-American JJ Mandaquit will be part of Team USA’s Under-16 squad for the 2023 FIBA Americas Championship.
USA Basketball announced the 12-man lineup for the continental meet set from June 5 to 11 in Yucatan, Mexico.
Mandaquit, a 6-foot-1 guard, was one of 39 players called up by head coach Sharman White for a camp in Colorado Springs.
From 39, the field was dropped to 18 before cutting six more players for the final lineup.
Also part of the team are Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Isiah Harwell, Caleb Holt, Brandon McCoy, Jalen Montonati, Koa Peat, Darryn Peterson, Jayden Quaintance, and Tyran Stokes.
The USA, who is seven-time champions in the meet, is slotted with Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Mexico in Group A.
During the 2023 SMART-NBTC National Finals, Mandaquit averaged 16.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 3.8 steals in five games played for Fil-Am Nation Select.
Mandaquit, who traces his roots to Cebu, has offers to play for Division I programs Hawaii, Portland, Stanford, and Washington State.
According to Fil-Am Nation Select, Mandaquit, who got his Philippine passport before he turned 16, can still be eligible for Gilas as long as he does not suit up for the USA in the Under-18 or Seniors teams.
