I still remember the first time I saw Jay Mendoza on the basketball court—there was something different about his movement, his intensity, his focus. It wasn't just raw talent; it was the kind of disciplined approach you rarely see in young athletes. His journey to becoming a rising star in the PBA wasn't accidental. It was built on relentless effort, both on and off the court, and I've followed his career closely because he embodies what I believe separates good players from great ones: an uncompromising work ethic.
When we talk about basketball training, most people picture shooting drills or scrimmages, but Jay's regimen goes far beyond that. Take last Saturday, for instance. While many players might have taken a rest day, he was already on the field at 6 AM for speed and agility drills. What impressed me even more was that he wasn't alone—his former La Salle strength and conditioning coach, Miguel Aytona, had flown in specifically to oversee these sessions. Now, that's commitment. Having a dedicated coach travel just to fine-tune your footwork and acceleration shows how seriously Jay takes his development. I've spoken with trainers who work with PBA prospects, and they often mention that only about 15-20% of players invest in personalized, off-court conditioning at this level. Jay clearly falls into that minority, and it shows in his performances.
The partnership with Coach Aytona isn't just about physical gains; it's strategic. From what I've gathered, their focus includes reaction time drills and lateral movement exercises designed to shave precious milliseconds off defensive transitions. In one of their recent sessions, they incorporated resistance parachutes and ladder drills, aiming to improve his first-step explosiveness by roughly 12-15% based on their internal metrics. Whether those numbers are entirely accurate or not, the intent is what matters—every detail is measured and optimized. I love that approach because it mirrors how elite athletes in global leagues train, and seeing it applied locally gives me hope for the future of Philippine basketball.
But let's be real—none of this would matter if it didn't translate to game situations. Jay's stats this season speak volumes: he's averaging 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, but what stands out to me is his defensive rating. He's allowing only 0.89 points per possession in isolation situations, which places him among the top 8% of wing defenders in the league. Those aren't just numbers; they're proof that his off-court grind is paying dividends. I've noticed how he rarely gets beaten on drives, and his close-outs are sharper than ever. It's that extra hour spent on agility drills that lets him stay in front of quicker opponents, and honestly, it's a joy to watch.
Of course, talent alone doesn't get you there—it's the mindset. Jay has often spoken about treating every day as an opportunity to improve, and his Saturday morning sessions with Coach Aytona highlight that philosophy. While other players might prioritize recovery or leisure, Jay chooses to push his limits, focusing on aspects like change-of-direction speed and reactive agility. Personally, I think this sets a new standard for local players. Too often, we see prospects plateau because they neglect the foundational work, but Jay's willingness to embrace the grind—even when no one's watching—is what makes his PBA journey so compelling.
Looking ahead, I'm excited to see how far this dedication will take him. The PBA has produced many stars, but few have combined skill with such meticulous preparation. If he maintains this trajectory, I wouldn't be surprised to see him become an All-Star within the next two seasons. His story isn't just about basketball; it's a reminder that greatness is often forged in those quiet, early mornings when the stands are empty and the real work begins. And for Jay Mendoza, that work is far from over.
