Jolo Mendoza embarks on new journey with Ateneo Blue Eagles

MANILA, Philippines – There was no doubt in Jolo Mendoza’s mind where he wanted to spend his college basketball career. Even if the official commitment came just weeks ago, the decision was really made way before that. He was always staying at Loyola Heights in Katipunan.

“Actually I already told them I wanted to play in Ateneo (college) for a long time already,” the UAAP talent told the media last week. 

The Ateneo High School star’s commitment to the Ateneo Blue Eagles was made official back on February 29, when team manager Epok Quimpo confirmed the development to Rappler.  

But even as Mendoza was still playing his senior season for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, it was essentially a done deal. The high school team, however, was struggling to defend its title in a season which ended at the hands of De La Salle Zobel in the Final Four round, prompting Mendoza to move aside his announcement until further notice.

Mendoza, the Finals MVP in 2015, had some struggles during the campaign as he averaged 16.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists a game. Those are good-enough numbers, but somewhat fell short of the lofty expectations for him entering the year where he was expected to be an MVP candidate, but didn’t even make the top 5 in the race.

“Season 78 was one of the worst seasons for me,” he admitted during the press conference for the National Basketball Training Center at the Mall of Asia Arena, which will hold an All-Star game next week featuring the country’s top high school prospects, Mendoza included.

“It’s something I want to forget, but I’ve learned that I should just use that as motivation to play better as my career continues.

“The season was ongoing and I didn’t want it to be a distraction for me and my team,” Mendoza said on why he didn’t make the Blue Eagles announcement earlier.

Despite the disappointing conclusion, Mendoza’s had a rather successful high school career which also included two stints with Batang Gilas in 2013 and 2014. With that now in the rear view, an exciting and challenging journey awaits.

Ateneo Blue Eagle

The pressure of playing for the blue-and-white is infamous. Mendoza has tasted some of it throughout his high school career. He’s obviously seen it while watching the Blue Eagles’ games, especially with some of his former teammates now playing in the team. But witnessing it from afar and experiencing the pressure of actually being under those title-or-bust expectations are different.

“There’s always pressure,” said the 18-year-old. “Just playing the sport, there’s always pressure. But it’s how you handle it, and I’m excited to be coached by someone like Tab Baldwin.”

Baldwin is both the men’s basketball national team (Gilas Pilipinas) head coach and incoming first-year coach for the Blue Eagles as he takes the reins over from Bo Perasol. “From what I’ve heard, he’s really strict,” Mendoza said. “But even if he’s strict, he gets to show that he cares for his players.”

Take one look at the current roster of the Blue Eagles and you’ll notice their brigade of perimeter players. Holdovers from last season include Aaron Black, Adrian Wong and Matt Nieto, to name a few, while new names like Mendoza, CJ Perez, and Tyler Tio are going to join the team. 

There are also a few more guards from Team B expected to enter the roster. The team’s lone traditional center is arguably just Chibueze Ikeh, who has made strides defensively but still needs improvement on the other end. 

2014 UAAP Rookie of the Year Arvin Tolentino may see a lot of action as a power forward or center as well, although his game is more perimeter-oriented than inside bruiser. Watch him play for a quarter, and you’ll notice how he prefers to shoot jumpers rather than post up defenders.

“I haven’t spoken with them, actually,” Mendoza said about what his role will be in his freshman season, where he’s eligible to win Rookie of the Year. 

“Maybe I’m going to have to transition to a [point guard] from a [shooting guard] because of my height.”

The good news?

“I’ve been preparing for it and I’m still preparing for it,” he said.

There are some aspects that will make Mendoza’s transition to the senior rank smoother. His Blue Eaglets teammate Gian Mamuyac is also expected to join the Blue Eagles, giving the two a familiar friend to go through the tribulations of being a UAAP rookie with. 

Another Ateneo high school standout, Shaun Ildefonso, hasn’t confirmed where he’s playing college basketball yet, but many believe he’s also going to become a Blue Eagle.

“It helps and it boosts my confidence. I’ve been with him ever since,” Mendoza said about Mamuyac.

“It’s a big thing for me and I’m excited to continue my career with him in Ateneo.”

Tio, a standout from Xavier high school who picked Ateneo instead of La Salle, will also be in the same boat as Mamuyac and Mendoza.

“That’s another. I’ve been playing against him ever since grade school. It’s a huge relief that he’s already my teammate,” said Mendoza. 

“I was also with him during training in the [United] States last year. We formed a bond with each other. I’m thankful we get to continue that in college.”

It’s clear the Blue Eagles have multiple outstanding talents on their way, giving the team both an exciting present and future.

And Mendoza may very well be the face of the team down the line. – Rappler.com