A LITTLE over four months before the NCAA season begins, and Jed Mendoza remains uncertain about seeing action again for Jose Rizal University.
"Honestly, hindi ako sure kung maglalaro pa ako sa JRU next season," he said.
It was a tough past year for Mendoza, to say the least.
Positioned as the leader for a rebuilding Heavy Bombers crew, the 21-year-old's struggles were well documented for the entirety of Season 94. And it showed, as the squad from Kalentong finished dead last with their 3-15 card.
Also, coach Vergel Meneses decided to end his nine-year tenure as he focuses on his political career, leaving the team at the hands of interim coach Vic Lazaro.
Those factors are what Mendoza is considering as he opted to be mum on what the future holds for him.
"Mahirap pa magsalita dahil very complicated pa sa JRU," he said.
For now, Mendoza would like to put all his attention on his campaign in the 2019 PBA D-League with Marinerong Pilipino.
And so far, he's doing a stellar job at it, firing 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists to lead the Skippers to an 87-63 victory over Chadao-FEU on Tuesday to help his side win two straight games.
Mendoza maintains that his goal in the developmental ranks is to be a better all-around player regardless where his basketball journey takes him next.
"Nandito ako sa Marinero to improve as a basketball player and as a team player, and also to learn," he said. "Hindi ako focused sa sarili ko. Mas focused ako to be a team player and as a role player. Alam namin ang roles namin dito, so inaapply lang namin yun sa laro and we know that good things will happen."
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