The Hoop Grid

130 schools said no. He led the losingest program in college football history to a national championship anyway. Fernando Mendoza was a 2-star recruit from Miami. He tried to walk on at his hometown school. They passed. So did FIU. So did FAU. So did everyone else. At 17, he was sitting in his bedroom, crying over a silent recruiting inbox—after driving to 18 camps with his dad and sending highlights to more than 100 programs. Not one FBS offer. His only option? Yale. No scholarship. No NFL path. Everyone told him to be “realistic.” “Know your place.” “Be grateful.” He didn’t listen. Because Mendoza understood something most people miss: The worst outcome isn’t failing. It’s never getting the chance to try. Two weeks before signing day in 2022, his phone rang. Cal needed a body. One offer. Out of 134 schools. He took it. He arrived as the third-string quarterback. Spent a year on the scout team. Lost his first four starts. Got sacked 41 times behind a broken offensive line. Still got up. Every time. Then Cal brought in a transfer instead of building around him. So Mendoza left the only school that had ever said yes. He transferred to Indiana—the losingest program in college football history. People laughed. “Career suicide.” “Graveyard program.” “Nobody wins there.” One coach told him something different: “I’m going to make you the best Fernando Mendoza possible.” That was enough. Mendoza wasn’t just playing for football. His mother has battled multiple sclerosis for 18 years. Before every snap, he thought of her. “My mother is my why.” Indiana went 16–0. Beat six Top-10 teams. Won their first Big Ten title since 1945. Mendoza threw 41 touchdowns. Won the Heisman—first in school history. First Cuban-American to ever do it. Then came the title game. Miami. Near his hometown. Fourth-and-4. Season on the line. Quarterback draw. The kid 134 schools rejected spun through defenders and dove into the end zone. Game over. Indiana—national champions. The losingest program became the best team in America. All because a 17-year-old refused to believe “no” was the end. Rankings don’t decide your ceiling. Gatekeepers don’t write your ending. Being overlooked isn’t a verdict—it’s a starting point. Sometimes all you need is one shot… and the courage to bet on yourself when nobody else will. Don’t quit. Credit: Barclay Mullins

This is worth the watch From D2 recruit with no D1 offers to leading a Top 25 team in the Big 10 This is big time

After a great conversation with Coach Collins and his staff I am excited and grateful to receive a D1 offer from Northwestern University! @BreakawayBball @NVHS_Basketball

Comfort is common. Discipline is rare.

Ability is your standard in action.

Ending the reflection on a positive note, came away very impressed with @StatesmenHoops squad. Reigning @gatorade MO player of the year is supremely talented and routinely draws 2-3 defenders; doesn’t force things, trusts his teammates, and plays the right way… @MizzouHoops getting a good one! Webster got big plays and baskets from @b12mills and @JayyWoodd throughout this contest. All the magic in this game was at the hand of @jackson_jt3 who appeared to be getting heckled by the crowd after an early turnover; however, after hitting his first 3 he barked back at the crowd. Then, proceeded to take a couple backwards dribbles in transition to hit his second 3 of the night, keeping his team in the game and winning the heart of the crowd. Tabash would hit two more three’s before getting all out tackled and kicked in the face on a head fake dribble drive. He’d leave the game bloody and disoriented and was questionable for the remainder of the game. However, the wiry and fiery sharp shooter did return and the crowd was on the edge of their seat on every touch as he hit for 14 second half points, including 4 more threes. A truly special night for him and special treat for the @hilandshootout crowd. Very sportsmanlike gesture from Game MVP @JasonCroweJr to recognize the special effort by gifting his MVP award to 2027 sniper. Both players were signing autographs for young fans after the game.

Reflecting on an outstanding, yet concerning, final game at the @hilandshootout which saw Inglewood hang on by the slimmest of margins. Mizzou commit, and nephew of Inglewood legend @paulpierce34, @JasonCroweJr could’ve easily been called for his 5th foul when appearing to go through the back of fellow Mizzou commit @Scottieadkisnon for an offensive rebound with under 12 seconds to play in a 2 point game. Unlike the controversy in @ESTLFlyersbball game Friday evening where officials were more than willing to hand out technical fouls resulting in ejections and disqualifications, the @IHSA_IL officials in this game showed amazing restraint in allowing Inglewood head coach @crowezone5 to completely lose control having to be physically restrained by multiple assistants to avoid a physical altercation with referees - not even a warning issued following this 5-minute delay in play. This one ended with most of the Inglewood coaching staff taunting the crowd behind their bench as they were up 4 with 2.9 seconds left. Head coach @jasoncrowe repeatedly performing @StephenCurry30 “night night” celebration to taunt the crowd. The Highland crowd made their feelings known with chants of “overrated” and loud booing. At least one fan threw an object (foam stress ball - guessing tourney sponsors may reconsider distributing those to fans in future events) on to the floor, striking Crowe Jr, at the conclusion of the game. This led to a concerning scene as coaches and fans yelled obscenities towards each other and invited physical violence. Thankfully, cooler heads ultimately prevailed.

There is never a day where Pros don’t rep stationary Ball Handling You have to rep for 5-10 minutes a day, and go through a routine that keeps you sharp Good Ball Handling is not something that happens over night, it’s all about compound growth (Via NBA TRAINER @Pnewt0n 🎥)

I believe this was my 10th Highland Shootout since I moved back home in late 2016. Here are some of my favorite images of the 2026 edition

“Who you are is more important than what you do” - Nick Saban 🗣️🗣️ (Via @Wordofwise_ 🎥)

@thaliviest @tdc200 @hilandshootout Big Tim looked up from NFL action just long enough for this hot take.

@tdc200 @hilandshootout Yo Tim, for the record. We as a family have moved not for basketball 5 times in 8 years. This our 3rd time living in Fishers, IN as he was born here. Just for clarification. All the best…

Interesting player here at Highland Shootout. Class of 2026 Ethan Hillsman is playing for Fishers (IN). Has to be like his 4th or 5th school. @hilandshootout

Inglewood holds on to win by 1. Game MVP awarded to @JasonCroweJr to chants of “Overrated” and loud boos. Kid can flat out play and showed great class in handing the MVP award over to @jackson_jt3 who hit another 3 at the buzzer. @Scottieadkisnon is a stud on both ends of the court AND makes his teammates better. Strong finish to a great day of hoops.

Zebras!!! 😱

@jackson_jt3 is the show!!!

Officials are overmatched in the night cap @hilandshootout , ruining a good game.

In the highly anticipated matchup between Mizzou bound guards @JasonCroweJr and @Scottieadkisnon it’s the sniper @jackson_jt3 who is electrifying the @hilandshootout crowd with four 3’s and leading all scorers at the break. The 2027 Tabash is questionable for the second half after a scary collision following a head fake three dribble drive. @StatesmenHoops trail Inglewood by 3.

How good is the competition at the @hilandshootout ? Just witnessed @CRCPBasketball @vashon_bball and @ESTLFlyersbball lose in three consecutive games by a combined 79 points. @CoachBlossom has a squad capable of beating any team in the country! @Cisse1570Cisse is a mature 2027 big that absolutely manhandled the shorthanded Flyers and finished with a game high 25 points and 12 rebounds.