Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd and his staff made their biggest mark in the transfer portal season Monday with the commitments of two quality freshman guards — JJ Mandaquit (Washington) and Derek Dixon (North Carolina).
Mandaquit, 6-foot-1, 196 pounds, shares a past with Lloyd, Koa Peat and incoming freshman star Caleb Holt. Mandaquit, Peat and Holt played for Lloyd on the gold medal-winning Team USA last summer in the FIBA U19 World Cup.
Mandaquit averaged 5.2 points on 43.5% shooting from the field (28.2% from 3-point range) in 22 games (six starts). He added 2.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists while playing 19.6 minutes per game.
Dixon, 6-5, 200, could have been united with Lloyd at North Carolina if Lloyd was hired to Chapel Hill, N.C., but Lloyd stayed in Tucson after Arizona negotiated a contract extension, significant raise and financial enhancements for the program.
Dixon instead has transferred out of North Carolina and will play for Lloyd and the Wildcats.
He played 33 games with North Carolina as a freshman with 16 starts, averaging 6.5 points, 2.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. He shot 39.7% from beyond the arc and finished second on the team with 50 3-pointers.
Few thoughts on JJ Mandaquit & Derek Dixon:
– Really like surrounding Caleb Holt with a pair of facilitators
– For those questioning Mandaquit, remember Tommy got an in-depth look with Team USA
– Mutual interest between Dixon and UA in HS. Better fit for both sides a year later pic.twitter.com/DPCT2l1wQT— AZ Band Cat Sports (@AZBandCatSports) April 14, 2026
TOP FIVE GAMES FOR DIXON AT NORTH CAROLINA
1. at Duke in 76-61 loss (March 7)
Dixon’s best statistical game of the year. He led the Tar Heels in scoring for the first time in the huge rivalry matchup.
- 17 points, 5-of-8 from 3-point range, three assists, no turnovers.
- Set season highs in both points and 3-pointers made and incredibly no turnovers in 32 minutes at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
2. vs. Clemson in 80-79 loss (ACC Tournament Quarterfinals – March 12)
- 16 points, 4 of 6 from 3-point range.
- Scored 11 of his 16 points in the second half, continuing his image as a clutch shooter.
3. vs. Pittsburgh in 79-65 win (February 14)
- Seven rebounds and seven assists.
- Tied his season high in assists and set a season high in rebounds.
4. at California in 84-78 loss (January 10)
Dixon’s first collegiate start, a role he would not relinquish for the remainder of the season.
- 14 points, 5 of 11 from the field, 4 of 8 from 3-point range, three assists.
- Making his first start on the road, he immediately justified the coaching staff’s decision by providing efficient floor spacing and steady ball-handling.
5. vs. Georgetown in an 81-61 win (December 7)
- 14 points, 5 of 7 from the field, 3 of 5 from 3-point range, three assists.
- First double-digit scoring performance at North Carolina, serving as the first real glimpse of the efficiency he would later provide in ACC play.
TOP FIVE GAMES FOR MANDAQUIT AT WASHINGTON
1. vs. Michigan in 82-72 loss (January 14)
This was Mandaquit’s breakout performance in Big Ten play and his highest-scoring output of the year.
- 15 points, 5 of 8 field goals, 3 of 4 from 3-point range.
- Facing a top-5 ranked Michigan team, he provided much-needed perimeter shooting and efficiency off the bench, proving he could score against elite conference competition.
2. vs. Denver in 84-70 win (November 6)
- 11 points, seven assists, two steals, one block.
- Showcased his versatility, active on both ends of the floor.
3. vs. Southern Utah in 105-69 win (December 13)
- 11 points, five assists, 3 of 4 from 3-point range.
- Efficient once again with no turnovers in 18 minutes off the bench.
4. vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 94-50 win (November 3)
Mandaquit’s playmaking ability in his college debut was impressive, although his shot wasn’t falling yet.
- Stats: 4 points (1-of-6 shooting from the field), eight assists, four rebounds, 28 minutes.
- Starting in his very first game, he set a season high with eight assists.
5. vs. Southern in 99-93 win (November 18)
- Eight points, six rebounds, three assists, 42 minutes.
- Mandaquit played nearly the entire game, setting a season high in rebounds and minutes played. He did not commit a turnover, although the extended amount of play with overtime.
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