More minutes? Promising rookie Mendoza only concerned about helping Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo rookie Jolo Mendoza had arguably the most impressive game of his young UAAP seniors career on Wednesday, October 19, when he scored 15 points – all in the first half – in only 14.7 minutes to lead the Blue Eagles past the UE Red Warriors at the San Juan Arena.

Mendoza, a former star for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets and UAAP juniors finals MVP, also hit a trio of 3-pointers, including two which put his team up for good in the Blue Eagles’ 26-14 game-changing second quarter.

But even after leading his team in scoring and point differential as a +18 when he was on the court, Mendoza is not concerned about getting more minutes moving forward.

“I think everyone really plays well,” he told Rappler.

“It’s alternating for us. Can’t really tell who’s going to play well. We’re not really asking for more minutes. We just want to help the team in whatever way we can.

“In the other games, it’s not just Thirdy [Ravena] who’s creating. Sometimes it’s Matt [Nieto], sometimes it’s Anton [Asistio]. Our team’s really balanced, so the minutes isn’t really a concern for us.”

Mendoza entered the game on Wednesday averaging just 7.5 minutes a game, but after facing UE, he’s now made 9-of-14 from deep in Season 79 as the Blue Eagles improved to 5-4 with 5 games remaining on their schedule.

And despite already looking confident the moment he first played as a member of Ateneo’s senior team, Mendoza insists his confidence has improved since the season opener in early September.

“To be honest, my first game I really had jitters. I was nervous at first, but I feel I’m adjusting more and more and I’m getting more comfortable playing in the seniors division.”

According to the budding rookie, it also helps that his teammates always try to build each other up.

“All of us have confidence in our games and it’s because we’re there to help each other out. We know each others’ strengths so we try to make the most of that and we try to give each opportunities to show our skills,” he said.

Mendoza’s best skill is clearly his shooting, and it’s clear that he has the green light to shoot from outside whenever left free.

“Honestly they really encourage me to take shots when I’m open because they understand my capabilities as a shooter.” – Rappler.com