JOLO Mendoza admitted his stint with Converge in the PBA On Tour is a way for him to build his confidence as he looks forward to joining the coming rookie draft.
“Kumukuha ako ng kumpiyansa,” he said. “After my stint with Ateneo, I just wanted one year to work on my game. Ayokong sumabak sa draft ng hindi ako kumpiyansa sa sarili ko. But I’m getting there.”
On Friday night, Mendoza showed a glimpse of what exactly he can offer by exploding for 26 points in the FiberXers’ 104-90 win over Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Ynares Sports Arena.
READ: Jolo Mendoza boosts draft stock with hot shooting for Converge
Mendoza was 7-of-12 from three-point range and had 12 points in the second period alone when Converge finally turned the game around after trailing for most of the first quarter.
But he downplayed his best game of the preseason yet, stressing one game doesn’t define his playing career.
“It’s not like one game is going to set my career. Malayong-malayo pa,” said Mendoza.
He could have applied for the draft last year in the company of former Ateneo teammates Gian Mamuyac and Tyler Tio.
Yet he deferred to stay behind upon consulting a lot of people, including Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.
“Buo naman yung loob ko nung nag-desisyon ako na hindi na muna magpa-draft,” said Mendoza.
Now he’s ready to face the biggest challenge of his playing career.
“Draft hopeful ako this year,” he said. “Sana nga ma-draft tayo at maging maganda ang career natin.”
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