Utah HS Hoops Podcast
Utah HS Hoops Podcast
Junior County, JJ Mandaquit, and Coach LJ from Utah Prep discuss their favorite players and drop some advice for young hoopers
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Junior County, JJ Mandaquit, and Coach LJ from Utah Prep discuss their favorite players and drop some advice for young hoopers

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You can follow each of the guests on their IG pages as well:

Junior County - Class of 2026, Utah Prospects

JJ Mandaquit - Class of 2025, Compton Magic

Coach LJ - Head Coach Utah Prep National Team

About the Guest(s):

In this episode, Adam Peek is joined by Coach LJ (Justin Yamzon), Junior County, and JJ Mandaquit from Utah Prep, a high-level basketball program that is part of the grind session. Coach LJ, originally from Las Vegas, has six years of coaching experience and previously played for BYU Hawaii before a stint in professional basketball in the Philippines. Junior County, class of 2026, is a rising basketball talent born in Utah. JJ Mandaquit is a promising point guard from the Big Island of Hawaii, class of 2025, actively involved in USA Basketball and representing Utah in national circuits.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Utah High School Hoops podcast, host Adam Peek delivers an engaging conversation with the force behind Utah Prep's basketball program. As Peek journeys into the heart of Utah's youth basketball scene, he discovers the motivations, aspirations, and unyielding drive that fuels these young athletes and their coach. The dialogue unfolds, capturing the essence of the competitive spirit and the determination to excel in the grind session.

Peek's interview with Coach LJ provides insights into Utah Prep's challenge of establishing itself as a formidable force, with LJ sharing experiences from his playing days and his coaching philosophy. Whereas, Junior County and JJ Mandaquit open up about their journeys to Utah Prep, the sacrifices they've made, and the ambitions they harbor. From discussions about personal role models to difficult transitions and the recognition of Utah’s underrated talent, this episode offers a glimpse into the lives of those who breathe basketball.

Key Takeaways:

  • Utah Prep, a new team in the competitive grind session, stands out with its fifth-place ranking, demonstrating the players' high-level skills and dedication.

  • JJ Mandaquit, originally from Hawaii, has faced and embraced the underdog role, using it to fuel his ambitions on the national stage.

  • Junior County, with local Utah roots, shares a love for the game and sees Utah Prep as an opportunity to play higher-level basketball while learning from esteemed coaches.

  • Coach LJ combines his playing experience and coaching influences to create a unique and effective approach to basketball coaching, focusing on player development for college readiness.

  • Each guest emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process, believing in oneself, and staying committed despite setbacks in the pursuit of basketball excellence.

Notable Quotes:

  • JJ Mandaquit on his motivation: "Coming from Hawaii, I feel like I've always had a chip on my shoulder…I've always played with an extra chip on my shoulder and [it] just fuels me more to work harder and prove everyone wrong."

  • Junior County on overcoming challenges: "It won't always be uphill. Sometimes things will set you back and will set you down in order for you to come back up."

  • Coach LJ on player development: "Everybody's journey is going to be different…it's a matter of sticking with it and seeing this thing through."

Resources:

No specific resources or social media handles were mentioned during the podcast. However, listeners interested in following the journeys of Utah Prep and their players may seek out their profiles or team updates through relevant search engines and social media platforms.


Engage with the full breadth of perspective in this enlightening episode of the Utah High School Hoops podcast, and join Adam Peek as he navigates through the stories of these athletes and their coach at Utah Prep. Stay tuned for more episodes that continue to shine a light on the dynamic and inspiring world of high school basketball.

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