After patiently waiting and assessing their options, the Wildcats have made their first move in the transfer portal sweepstakes as they look to replace Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley. And while there isn’t one player that will come in right away to fill Bradley’s shoes, Tommy Lloyd and his staff have found a piece that will certainly help. Former Washington guard JJ Mandaquit announced on Monday he is transferring to Arizona, where he will have three years of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-1 point guard is a native of Hilo, Hawaii and spent his high school career at Utah Prep before enrolling at Washington. In his lone season with the Huskies, Mandaquit appeared in 22 games, making six starts, before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from 3-point range.
Mandaquit’s best game of the season came against the eventual-national champion Michigan Wolverines, where he scored a career-high 15 points, knocking down 5-8 from the field, including 3-4 from deep.
“Mandaquit is a throwback true point guard who excels with his ability to run a team. He isn’t going to wow anyone with dynamic explosiveness or individual offense, but makes his mark with his reliability, acumen for the game, and winning intangibles,” said 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finklestein. “He’s at his best in USA Basketball settings, where he’s surrounded by elite talent, and can be a table-setter and leader. Where he’s not as naturally suited is when he has to carry too much of the offensive load or be a primary creator.”
Tommy Lloyd and Mandaquit are no strangers to one another. He played for Lloyd with Team USA on the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup Roster. During Team USA’s 7-0 gold medal run, he averaged 6.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 16.9 minutes per game. He has won three gold medals during his time with USA Basketball.
JJ Mandaquit is the first addition from the transfer portal for Tommy Lloyd and Arizona. The Wildcats are exploring other options at point guard, with the expectation that Mandaquit will come off the bench in Tucson.
Stay up-to-date will all of Arizona’s transfer portal activity here.
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[…] back court for Arizona that will feature three new players in Caleb Holt, Washington transfer JJ Mandaquit, as well as himself. Holt figures to be the Wildcats’ primary scoring option next season, […]