Watch: Prolific Prep’s Tyran Stokes steals a dunk from his own teammate JJ Mandaquit during FIBAU17 showdown

By Aman Sharma

Modified Jul 05, 2024 14:07 GMT

In an exciting moment during a FIBA U17 basketball game, Prolific Prep's Tyran Stokes created a viral sensation by stealing a dunk attempt from his teammate, JJ Mandaquit. The jaw-dropping play highlighted Stokes' athleticism and quick thinking as he leaped to intercept Mandaquit's shot:

The 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup is still being played out in Istanbul, Turkey. It is scheduled from June 29 to July 7. The games are being held at the Ahmet Comert Sports Complex and the Sinan Erdem Dome.

Stokes, the top-ranked player in the high school class of 2026, demonstrated his all-around game in a recent match against China, recording 14 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Throughout the tournament, he has averaged 11.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, shooting 50% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.

In the opening game, JJ Mandaquit led the team to a 104-81 victory over France, playing 18 minutes and dishing out 5 assists. Mandaquit, a top prospect in the 2025 and 2026 classes, has numerous Division I scholarship offers.

The quarterfinals will be held on July 5 at the Sinan Erdem Dome. Key matchups include Lithuania vs. New Zealand at 12:30 local time and the USA vs. Canada at 15:00 local time, a rematch of the 2023 FIBA U16 AmeriCup final.

Rising star JJ Mandaquit shines on multiple stages

JJ Mandaquit, On3’s No. 7 point guard in the 2025 class, hails from Hilo, Hawaii, and is a rising senior at Utah Prep in Hurricane, UT. Standing at 6-foot-1, Mandaquit has been showcasing his skills with the Compton Magic on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit, leading them to an impressive 11-2 record.

“I’ve worked a lot on my body,” Mandaquit shared with On3. “The FIBA game is very physical, and as a point guard, I needed to add strength for college preparation. It has helped me significantly.”

After winning gold with the U16 team last year, Mandaquit secured a spot on the USA U17 National Team.

“My goal was to set the standard,” he said. “Having won gold last year, I knew I had a target on my back. I aim to improve everyone around me.”

Regarding his recruitment, JJ Mandaquit has visited Washington State and Hawaii. He’s also in talks with Creighton, LSU, Louisville, Stanford and BYU.

“My priority was USA Basketball, and I plan to narrow my list and set visits for the fall,” he noted.

In the FIBA U17 World Cup 2024, JJ Mandaquit has averaged 5.3 points, 1.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, shooting 39.1% from the field and 20.0% from beyond the arc, with a perfect free throw record.