JED Mendoza looks to have the inside track of a spot at Blackwater after seeing action for the Bossing in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament.
Trying out for a spot after he was unsigned by Magnolia during the offseason, Mendoza made a good impression with Blackwater in the Davao tournament where he even opened the tournament by scoring 16 points against Phoenix.
Mendoza also contributed in other ways including hauling five rebounds in a game against Converge during the Kadayawan tilt.
READ: Cariaso glad to see Davao trip strengthen Blackwater bond
Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso admitted they like Mendoza, gushing over his experience as a part of a playoff contender in Magnolia where he served as backup guard and defended the likes of Mark Barroca in their practices.
“We like him very much. Hindi na namin tinatago na we like him. He’s got three or four years under his belt sa PBA. He’s been practicing with and against Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon everyday. For me, malaking bagay ‘yun,” said Cariaso.
Mendoza, the 61st pick in the PBA Season 46 draft in 2021, only played three games for Magnolia during the Philippine Cup where he averaged 3.7 points and 1.3 rebounds.
The University of the East and Jose Rizal U product actually played in 13 out of the 15 games of the Hotshots during the 49th season opening Governors’ Cup, but went down to six matches in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Cariaso said opportunities are abundant for Mendoza if he ends up signing with the Bossing.
“Dito sa Blackwater, he will be given a chance. Happy kami with him."
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