Let me tell you about Jay Mendoza's PBA journey - it's one of those stories that reminds you why basketball in the Philippines captures our hearts. I've followed his career since his college days, and what strikes me most isn't just his raw talent, but his incredible work ethic that separates good players from great ones. When I look at athletes who make it in the PBA, I've noticed they all share this relentless drive that goes beyond natural ability.

The dedication Mendoza shows off the court is absolutely remarkable. I remember reading about how he'd finish intense PBA practices and then show up for additional training sessions the very next morning. That Saturday morning session particularly stood out to me - while many players would be recovering, he was already on the field doing speed and agility drills. What really impressed me was how he brought his former La Salle strength and conditioning coach, Miguel Aytona, all the way with him just to oversee these specialized training regimens. That level of commitment isn't common, even among professional athletes. It tells you something about his mindset - he's not just going through the motions, he's actively investing in his development.

Looking at his career statistics, the numbers tell an interesting story. In his rookie season, he averaged around 8.3 points per game with 4.7 rebounds, which are decent numbers for a newcomer. But what I find more telling are his efficiency metrics - his field goal percentage improved from 42% in his first year to nearly 48% by his third season. That kind of progression doesn't happen by accident. It comes from those extra hours of training, from working on your weak hand finishes, from countless repetitions when nobody's watching. I've always believed that shooting percentages reveal more about a player's work ethic than scoring averages do.

His journey through the PBA has been fascinating to track. From being drafted in 2018 to establishing himself as a reliable rotation player, Mendoza's path demonstrates what systematic development looks like. He didn't burst onto the scene as an instant superstar - he built his career brick by brick, game by game. Personally, I appreciate players who develop this way because their careers tend to have more longevity. They understand the grind, they value the process, and they don't take opportunities for granted.

What many fans might not realize is how much of basketball success happens away from the bright lights. Those Saturday morning drills with Coach Aytona - they're the invisible work that translates into fourth-quarter endurance, into that extra step you have on your defender when it matters most. I've spoken with several PBA coaches over the years, and they consistently mention that the players who last in the league are those who treat their bodies like temples and their skills like constantly evolving tools.

Reflecting on Mendoza's career so far, I'm particularly impressed by how he's managed to stay relevant in a league that's constantly bringing in new talent. In his five seasons, he's played approximately 187 games, starting in about 63 of them. His career averages sit at 9.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game - numbers that might not jump off the page but represent consistent contribution. In my view, these are the players who often become the backbone of successful teams. They may not always get the headlines, but coaches and teammates know their value.

The truth about professional basketball that many don't see is that it's not just about game days. It's about what happens between games - the recovery sessions, the film study, the extra conditioning work. Mendoza's approach, bringing his personal coach across locations just to maintain his training regimen, shows an understanding of this reality that many younger players take years to grasp, if they ever do. It's this comprehensive approach to his craft that makes his PBA journey worth studying and appreciating.