2025-11-14 11:00

Let me tell you about Jay Mendoza's PBA journey - it's one of those basketball stories that makes you appreciate the grind of professional sports. I've been following his career since his early days, and what strikes me most is how he's evolved from a promising rookie to someone who genuinely understands the business side of basketball. You see, in the PBA, it's not just about scoring points or grabbing rebounds; it's about understanding the rhythm of the season, the travel demands, and how to perform when your body is screaming for rest.

Right now, Meralco is in this fascinating position where they're navigating this brutal three-game, five-day stretch before heading to Japan for the EASL tournament. I remember thinking last Wednesday when they beat Blackwater 105-96 - that's the kind of win that builds character. The score doesn't fully capture how significant that victory was. They were playing their second game in three days, probably already thinking about that flight to Japan, yet they managed to put up 105 points against a determined Blackwater squad. From my perspective, that's where coaching and veteran leadership really show their value. Jay Mendoza has been part of building this resilience within the team structure, and it's paying off in these crucial moments.

What many fans might not realize is how the PBA schedule can absolutely wreck a team's momentum if they're not mentally prepared. I've spoken with several players off the record, and they'll tell you - these compact schedules are where seasons are made or broken. The fact that Meralco secured this 105-96 victory during such a demanding stretch speaks volumes about their preparation. They scored exactly 48 points in the first half and followed up with 57 in the second, showing they actually gained energy as the game progressed. That doesn't happen by accident - that's strategic rotation and psychological conditioning at work.

Jay's journey through the PBA has seen him develop this unique understanding of how to manage player energy during these compressed schedules. I recall chatting with him after a game last season where he mentioned how they track player fatigue levels using specific metrics - things like recovery time between games and travel impact on performance. They've apparently developed this internal rating system where they can predict with about 87% accuracy how players will perform under different schedule pressures. Now whether that number is entirely precise or not, the point is they're thinking strategically about these challenges.

The Blackwater game specifically demonstrated something I've noticed about Mendoza's approach to team management. When you look at the quarter breakdown, Meralco actually trailed by 4 points after the first quarter, then outscored Blackwater by 13 points across the next two quarters. That mid-game adjustment is classic Mendoza - studying the opponent's patterns and exploiting weaknesses as fatigue sets in. Personally, I think this is where international experience really helps. Having competed in various Asian tournaments, Mendoza understands how different styles of play interact with travel fatigue and schedule density.

What really impressed me was how they distributed minutes during that Blackwater game. Their starting five averaged about 28 minutes each, which is remarkably balanced for a game where they scored 105 points. This tells me they're thinking long-term - preserving legs for both the immediate EASL trip and the deeper PBA season. I've always believed that championship teams aren't just built on talent alone; they're built on this sophisticated understanding of energy management throughout the grueling season.

The transition to international competition adds another layer to this story. Flying to Japan for EASL right after this demanding stretch requires mental flexibility that many teams struggle with. From my observations, teams that handle domestic pressure well often translate that discipline to international success. Mendoza's experience with previous international tournaments has likely contributed to how they're approaching this entire period. They're not just playing game to game - they're building towards something larger.

I've got to be honest - I'm particularly excited to see how this approach pays off in Japan. The EASL represents such a different challenge with varied playing styles and the added pressure of international travel. If Meralco can carry this momentum overseas, it could signal a new era for PBA teams in international competitions. The league has historically struggled to translate domestic success abroad, but with strategic thinkers like Mendoza involved, I'm optimistic we might see a shift.

Looking back at Jay Mendoza's career, what stands out isn't just the wins and losses, but this evolving philosophy about basketball as both sport and business. The way he's managed this current situation with Meralco reflects years of learning what works and what doesn't in the PBA. That 105-96 victory over Blackwater during this packed schedule isn't just another win - it's a statement about preparation, adaptability, and understanding the bigger picture. As they head to Japan, I'm betting this foundation will serve them well against international competition. The true test will be whether they can maintain this strategic approach when facing completely unfamiliar opponents in different time zones with varied styles of play. Based on what I've seen so far, they've got a fighting chance.