Continuing to reload for the upcoming UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball Tournament, the University of the East Red Warriors signed another standout.
Former JRU Heavy Bomber Jed Mendoza will go one-and-done for the Red Warriors.
Mendoza himself confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times.
“Yung collegiate career, ‘di na yan mababalikan. Kaya kinuha ko na po itong opportunity,” shared the 21-year-old, who graduated with a degree in BSBA Management.
The 6-foot guard averaged 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in his senior year with JRU. However, the Heavy Bombers finished with just three wins for the season.
“Super laking bagay ‘to kasi may chance pa to improve yung sarili ko. Binigyan ako ni Lord ng second chance sa college, and UAAP pa,” he continued, as head coach Joe Silva and assistant coach Ton Brodette were the ones who talked to him.
“Imagine nakapag-NCAA ako, tapos UAAP pa po. Sobrang gandang experience yun as a player.”
Mendoza is currently playing for the Marinerong Pilipino in the D-League, posting norms of 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
And he plans to show the UAAP that the talent in the NCAA is on-par with them.
“Para sa akin ang pinagkaiba lang ng NCAA at UAAP is yung exposure. Mas sikat talaga yung UAAP pagdating sa mga tao, pero sa skills at talent, halos parehas lang,” he opined.
“Super excited kasi iilan lang ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon makapaglaro sa dalawang magandang collegiate na liga.”
Mendoza can immediately suit up for UE this season, as he already has a degree. He plans to take a masters degree in business administration.
