Portland Fire Select Fernando Mendoza In WNBA Draft
New York City, New York
With the 7th pick in last night’s WNBA Draft the Portland Fire have selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Fire are one of the two new teams in the Women’s National Basketball Association, setting up what they hope will be a successful squad with this mid-first round pick. Mendoza is coming off an all time senior season, winning both the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship in his first season with Indiana, and throwing for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns.
“We were amazed, we didn’t think he’d still be on the board when we had the chance to pick. With an opportunity for a transformational athlete like Mendoza you really don’t have time to think, you just make the call and figure it out from there.” said Fire general manager Vanja Černivec.
While Mendoza has played in college for 4 years since he graduated high school, meeting league age eligibility requirements, there are some significant logistical issues to his joining the Fire’s roster. As the Daily Dose has reported previously, Fernando Mendoza is a cis male. This may make him ineligible for regular season play in the WNBA. League sources have yet to confirm this. Further, there are concerns that his experience exclusively playing football and not basketball may make him a poor fit for a basketball team, though his 6’5” frame and impressive arm strength makes a strong case otherwise.
“I just want to give all the glory to God. This was never supposed to happen, I have an amazing opportunity with the NFL draft next week and this just fell into my lap. I want to wish all the fans in Portland and the great organization they’re building out there the best. I’m going to need to talk to my family and make my decision in my own time.” stated Mendoza, his voice cracking while attempting to say “NFL”.