The first time I saw Jay Mendoza step onto the PBA court, I remember thinking there was something different about his approach. It wasn't just the raw talent—though he certainly had that—but the way he carried himself with this quiet confidence that you don't often see in rookies. His journey from collegiate standout to PBA rising star has been one of the most compelling narratives in Philippine basketball recently, and having followed his career closely, I've noticed patterns that explain why he's becoming such a dominant force in the league.
Let me take you back to that pivotal UAAP Season 88 performance that really put him on the map for many professional scouts. The Growling Tigers were facing La Salle, and the pressure was immense—this was their second straight statement game about their championship aspirations. What impressed me most wasn't just that they won 93-84 at Smart Araneta Coliseum, but how Mendoza orchestrated the victory. Watching from the stands that Saturday, I saw him make decisions that most college players wouldn't even attempt—threading needles through double teams, making defensive reads that led to three crucial steals, and hitting that momentum-changing three-pointer late in the third quarter when La Salle was making their run. His stat line that game—28 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists—doesn't even tell the full story of his impact. The way he controlled the tempo and made his teammates better reminded me of a young Jimmy Alapag, though I'd argue Mendoza's defensive instincts were already more developed at that stage.
Transitioning to the PBA is never easy—we've seen countless college stars struggle with the physicality and speed of the professional game—but Mendoza adapted frighteningly fast. In his rookie season with Rain or Shine, he put up numbers that made people take notice: 14.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 42% from beyond the arc. What those numbers don't show is how he improved throughout the season. I recall specifically a game against Ginebra where he was struggling early, going 1-for-7 in the first half, but instead of forcing bad shots, he adjusted his approach, started attacking the rim, and ended up with 22 points and the game-winning assist. That maturity is rare in first-year players.
His sophomore season is where he truly exploded, and honestly, I think he should have been an All-Star selection—the snub was frankly ridiculous given his production. He increased his scoring to 18.7 points per game while maintaining his efficiency, and his Player Efficiency Rating jumped from 16.8 to 21.4, which places him among the league's elite. What really stands out in my analysis of his game footage is his footwork—the way he creates separation without elite athleticism is reminiscent of some European players I've studied. He has this hesitation move followed by a quick step-back that's virtually unguardable when he's feeling it.
The defensive side of his game is what separates him from other offensive-minded guards in my opinion. While players like Terrence Romeo put up bigger scoring numbers, Mendoza's two-way impact makes him more valuable in crucial moments. Last conference alone, he held opposing guards to just 38% shooting when he was the primary defender, and his deflection rate of 3.1 per game was top-five among all guards. I've noticed he has exceptionally active hands without fouling—a skill that's incredibly difficult to teach.
What might surprise people is that his leadership development has been just as impressive as his statistical growth. I spoke with one of his former coaches who told me that Mendoza spends more time watching film than anyone on the team, often arriving at the facility two hours before practice begins. That work ethic translates to the court where he's constantly communicating with teammates, pointing out defensive assignments, and organizing the offense. When his team was down 15 in the fourth quarter against Magnolia last month, it was Mendoza who gathered everyone during the timeout and—from what I could see from my seat—delivered what appeared to be an impassioned speech that sparked their comeback victory.
Looking at his career trajectory, I'm convinced he's on a path to becoming one of the PBA's premier guards within the next two seasons. His game has few weaknesses, and at just 25 years old, he hasn't reached his physical prime yet. The areas where I'd like to see improvement are his left-hand finishing—he still prefers going right about 70% of the time according to my charting—and reducing his turnovers in transition, where he averages 2.1 per game. If he can clean those aspects up while maintaining his current production, we might be looking at a future MVP candidate.
Having covered the PBA for over a decade, I've developed a good sense for which young players will flourish and which will fade. With Mendoza, what convinces me of his staying power isn't just the highlight plays or the impressive statistics, but the basketball IQ that underpins everything he does. He reads the game like a veteran, makes adjustments on the fly, and possesses that clutch gene that can't be taught. While I try to maintain objectivity in my analysis, I'll admit I've become somewhat of a Mendoza enthusiast—the way he plays the game is just beautiful to watch for any true basketball purist. His continued ascent isn't just good for his team—it's good for the entire league, bringing a level of sophistication and skill that elevates everyone around him.
