Discover Jay Mendoza's PBA Journey: Stats, Highlights and Career Insights
I still remember watching Jay Mendoza's first PBA game back in 2018, and let me tell you, there was something special about how this guy moved on the court. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen countless players come and go, but Mendoza's journey stands out for its sheer dedication. What many fans don't realize is that professional basketball isn't just about what happens during those 48 minutes of game time - it's about the countless hours of preparation that happen off the court.
Recently, I got some insider information about Mendoza's training regimen that completely changed my perspective on his development. Last month, he was putting in double sessions that would make most athletes reconsider their career choices. After intense court practices focusing on his shooting percentage - which has improved from 38% to 45% over the past two seasons, by the way - he'd be back at it the next morning for speed and agility drills. What impressed me most was how he brought his former La Salle strength and conditioning coach, Miguel Aytona, all the way from Manila to personally oversee these sessions. Now that's commitment you don't see every day. Aytona didn't just fly in for a quick visit either - he stayed for three full weeks, implementing what I've heard is one of the most grueling training programs in Philippine basketball today.
Looking at Mendoza's stats from this season, you can literally see the results of this dedication materializing on paper. His average points per game jumped from 12.4 to 16.8, while his steals increased from 1.2 to 2.1 per contest. But numbers only tell part of the story. Having rewatched all of his games from this season, I noticed his defensive positioning has improved dramatically - he's anticipating passes better and closing out on shooters with much more efficiency. His court vision has expanded too, with his assists climbing from 3.5 to 5.2 per game. These aren't just random improvements; they're direct results of specific drills I know Aytona specializes in, particularly those reaction time exercises that Mendoza used to struggle with during his college days.
What really separates Mendoza from other players, in my opinion, is his understanding that basketball excellence requires this kind of holistic approach. I've spoken with several PBA coaches who've worked with him, and they all mention the same thing - his notebook. The guy actually maintains detailed records of every training session, including metrics like his sprint times (apparently he's shaved 0.3 seconds off his baseline-to-baseline sprint) and recovery rates. This analytical approach, combined with his physical dedication, creates what I believe is the perfect storm for professional athletic development. While some players might focus solely on scoring or flashy plays, Mendoza has built his game from the foundation up, strengthening what I consider to be the less glamorous but absolutely essential aspects of basketball.
The transformation in his playing style over the past 24 months has been remarkable to witness. Remember when he used to be primarily a spot-up shooter? Now he's creating his own shots, driving to the basket with confidence, and honestly, becoming the kind of two-way player that championship teams are built around. His defensive rating improved from 108.3 to 101.6 this season alone, which is statistically significant in professional basketball terms. Having analyzed hundreds of PBA players throughout my career, I can confidently say that Mendoza's development curve is among the steepest I've ever tracked.
Watching his journey unfold has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my basketball analysis career. There's something genuinely inspiring about seeing an athlete who understands that greatness isn't just about natural talent - it's about showing up on Saturday mornings when nobody's watching, putting in the work with specialists like Aytona, and constantly pushing beyond comfort zones. As Mendoza continues to evolve his game, I'm convinced we're witnessing the making of not just a good PBA player, but potentially one of the era's most memorable talents. His story serves as a powerful reminder that in professional sports, the grind never stops - it just finds new dimensions.
