Marques Reid Whippy was born in Suva, Fiji to Olive M. Whippy and Paul B. Whippy and is the third eldest of six children. Marques and his family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints (LDS). Marques' parents being former basketball players and coaches for the Fiji National basketball team themselves; the game of basketball naturally became part of the Whippy family.
Marques started to enjoy playing at a young age. He quickly learned the skills and tactics of the game. At the age of 14, he represented his national basketball team. He successfully represented Fiji by becoming a Gold medalist of the 2007 South Pacific Games held in Samoa.
He attended the LDS school in Tamavua, Fiji and spent his last year of high school at Woods Cross High school in Utah where he learned to play other sports such as American Football and soccer. Besides Basketball, he often enjoys playing other sports like rugby and volleyball.
After his high school years, Marques served a two- year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. In August 2005, he is called to serve in his native islands of Fiji where he learns more about his own people. As a missionary of the Church, he increased his love for his country and a willingness to help his people.
In 2007, Marques was offered an athletic scholarship at Brigham Young University of Hawaii (BYUH). He was spotted by the BYUH Assistant coach at that time, Brandyn Akana, while playing for Woods Cross High school in Utah.
Marques arrived at BYUH with the goal to be the best person and player he could be. His size and physical abilities became an instrument for the BYUH Seasiders. During his junior year, he was awarded first team all conference. He had high statistics number in rebounds and steals. He led his team to the Division II National Championship in 2010 (NCAA), held in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Marques’ humility and kindness both on and off the court made him a successful man. While in college, he meets his soul mate Valmene Teriipaia. They both got married in July 2009, in Fiji. Marques completed his degree in Pacific Islands Studies, which he believes will be an asset for him to help his island.
On August 2011, he signed a contract to play professional basketball overseas. He starts his professional career with Mallorca Basketball in Spain. This is a tremendous achievement for him and his family.
Career Highs
Points: 31; 3/11/11 Cal State-Dominguez Hills
Assists: 7 twice; 12/2/10 Long Beach State, 2/2/11 Dixie State
Steals: 7 twice; 2/18/10 Dixie State, 3/6/10 Notre Dame de Namur
Blocks: 5; 3/2/11 Grand Canyon
Rebounds: 21 twice; 2/11/11 Chaminade, 2/24/11 UH-Hilo
Marques started to enjoy playing at a young age. He quickly learned the skills and tactics of the game. At the age of 14, he represented his national basketball team. He successfully represented Fiji by becoming a Gold medalist of the 2007 South Pacific Games held in Samoa.
He attended the LDS school in Tamavua, Fiji and spent his last year of high school at Woods Cross High school in Utah where he learned to play other sports such as American Football and soccer. Besides Basketball, he often enjoys playing other sports like rugby and volleyball.
After his high school years, Marques served a two- year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. In August 2005, he is called to serve in his native islands of Fiji where he learns more about his own people. As a missionary of the Church, he increased his love for his country and a willingness to help his people.
In 2007, Marques was offered an athletic scholarship at Brigham Young University of Hawaii (BYUH). He was spotted by the BYUH Assistant coach at that time, Brandyn Akana, while playing for Woods Cross High school in Utah.
Marques arrived at BYUH with the goal to be the best person and player he could be. His size and physical abilities became an instrument for the BYUH Seasiders. During his junior year, he was awarded first team all conference. He had high statistics number in rebounds and steals. He led his team to the Division II National Championship in 2010 (NCAA), held in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Marques’ humility and kindness both on and off the court made him a successful man. While in college, he meets his soul mate Valmene Teriipaia. They both got married in July 2009, in Fiji. Marques completed his degree in Pacific Islands Studies, which he believes will be an asset for him to help his island.
On August 2011, he signed a contract to play professional basketball overseas. He starts his professional career with Mallorca Basketball in Spain. This is a tremendous achievement for him and his family.
Career Highs
Points: 31; 3/11/11 Cal State-Dominguez Hills
Assists: 7 twice; 12/2/10 Long Beach State, 2/2/11 Dixie State
Steals: 7 twice; 2/18/10 Dixie State, 3/6/10 Notre Dame de Namur
Blocks: 5; 3/2/11 Grand Canyon
Rebounds: 21 twice; 2/11/11 Chaminade, 2/24/11 UH-Hilo