CNMI LT. GOVERNOR WAS A GUAM BASKETBALL STAR

By Patrick Lujan

Guam basketball history now sits in the second highest political position in our neighboring CNMI.

Former Guam national player Dennis Mendiola was recently elevated to the position of Lt. Governor after the unforeseen passing of Governor Arnold Palacios on July 23 by virtue of his position as the Senate President of the 24th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature.

Born on Guam but raised by his grandparents in Rota, Mendiola gravitated toward basketball – mainly because of his height as he stands at 6-foot-3. From Rota to Saipan and then to Guam after Paul Shimizu invited him to play for the Bud Kings and work at Ambros, Mendiola would suit up for Team Guam and eventually earn his commission in the U.S. Army.

After medically retiring in 2015 from the Army, politics was calling back on his home island of Rota.

Lt. Gov. Mendiola took some time out of his new job to reminisce and share with GSPN about his basketball career on Guam.

GSPN: Can you share the story of your basketball journey—how and where it began, and how it evolved on Guam?

DM: My basketball journey began on the island of Rota when I was about 12 years old. Back then, I was originally a baseball player during the early ’90s, but unfortunately, organized baseball ended after Little League due to Rota’s small population.

Across from my grandparents’ house was a basketball court—it was free, accessible, and became my second home. I spent my teenage years playing there almost every day after school. That love for the game quickly turned into competition when I joined the FFA High School Tournament, where we played class vs. class. As freshmen, we beat every upper class that year. That’s when I realized—basketball was my sport. My height gave me a natural edge, and I continued playing in interscholastic leagues, even traveling to Saipan to compete.

I later played in the Marianas Invitational Basketball Tournament (MIBT), which was the premier high school tournament in our region at the time, involving teams from Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Palau, and Rota.

At 19, I moved to Saipan, where I trained seriously in preparation for the 1999 South Pacific Games. I made the CNMI National Team and was the youngest on the roster. Though we didn’t place, it fueled my passion. I stayed in Saipan, playing with a team called “Brothers,” which dominated the local leagues—winning back-to-back championships and securing a pennant title.

One summer, Budweiser hosted a 3-on-3 tournament in Saipan. The winning team would go on to compete in Guam. I played alongside Edward Diaz, Jesse Dela Cruz, Steven Sablan, Mark Wallace, and Peter Sablan—we won the championship in both Saipan and Guam.

That’s when the late Paul Shimizu discovered me and offered me a spot on the Bud Kings team in Guam, along with a job. After 9/11 in 2001 and the economic downturn in Saipan, I accepted his offer and moved to Guam with my then-girlfriend Ana Mendiola who is now my wife.

In Guam, basketball was on another level. The competition was fierce and the talent pool deep. I played against strong teams like Ace Hardware, Anderson Bombers, Big Navy, and even the Guam National Team. Eventually, I was recruited by Coach Bob Pelkey and Coach Tony Thompson to join Team Guam.

With Team Guam, I played in the Mini Games, South Pacific Games, and Friendship Tournaments across the Pacific and Asia. We even competed against Division II schools like BYU and the University of Hawai‘i.

In 2006, we won gold at the Mini Games in Saipan. In 2007, we earned silver at the South Pacific Games in Samoa.

By age 27, I joined the military, which marked the end of my competitive basketball career. I shifted focus to my military career and pursuing a commission as an officer—but basketball will always be part of who I am.

GSPN: What are some of your most memorable moments playing on and for Guam?

DM: There are many unforgettable moments, but what stands out most is the high level of competition and the intensity our coaches demanded from us. Guam basketball pushed me to be the best version of myself, both mentally and physically.

Winning the gold medal with Team Guam at the 2006 Mini Games in Saipan was especially meaningful – not just because of the win, but because of what it represented in my personal life. That same week, Ana and I got married. We held our wedding the weekend before the tournament, with the entire team attending the celebration. Our honeymoon? Spent in the gym, competing with Team Guam.

That gold medal was the perfect gift from the team. We dominated the tournament, winning every game by a margin of 20 to 30 points. It’s a memory I’ll carry forever.

GSPN: Who are some of the players you most enjoyed playing with – and against?

DM: I had the privilege of playing alongside many incredible athletes. Some of my favorite teammates include Jin Han, Ed Pelkey, EJ Calvo, Chris Fernandez, Joey Cepeda, Mike Lee, Carmen Blas, Loyd Lagutang, Willie (Stinnett), and Seve (Susuico) – there are honestly too many to name.

As for opponents, the team that gave me the most consistent challenge was Ace Hardware. Players like JP (Cruz), Francis Benitez, and De’Andre Walker were sharpshooters with deep range and an aggressive style of play. They always brought their best and kept the competition exciting.

GSPN: What inspired you to enter politics, and when did that journey begin?

DM: After completing my military service, I was medically retired due to a battle with cancer. In 2015, I returned home to Rota and began getting involved in local politics. I felt that after serving my country, I could also serve my island and make a difference.

In 2016 and 2018, I chaired campaigns for other candidates, gaining valuable experience. By 2018, I served as campaign chairman for a former lieutenant governor who was running for Senate—and he won. That victory motivated me to run for office myself.

In 2020, I ran for Senate as a Republican, going up against one of the longest-serving senator. I lost that race, but I didn’t let it stop me. In 2022, I ran again and won.

Despite my victory, it was a tough year for the Republican Party—we were in the minority, and I held no leadership role. However, in the next legislature, we won more seats. One of our members was elected, and I was chosen to serve as Senate President. It was an unusual situation—a freshman senator being elected as presiding officer of the 24th Legislature.

Then, in July 2025, tragedy struck when the Governor of the CNMI passed away. According to the constitution, I ascended to the role of Lieutenant Governor on July 24, 2025. That day changed my life forever.

GSPN: How does your basketball background influence your work in politics and government?

DM: Basketball and politics have more in common than people might think. Both are team sports. Success isn’t about individual effort—it’s about collaboration, communication, and strategy.

In basketball, no one wins a game alone. You rely on your teammates to execute plays, defend, rebound, and support each other. Politics works the same way. You need to build alliances, use available resources wisely, and work together to achieve your goals.

If you walk into government thinking you’ll make change alone, you’ll quickly realize how wrong that is. True progress comes when a team of people shares a vision, trusts each other, and puts in the hard work – just like on the court. When everyone plays their role and brings their unique skills to the table, the chances of success increase dramatically.

WHAT THEY SAY…

“I remember Dennis coming in to the Guam team. He played for Bud. He was skilled but was definitely an enforcer. Loved the fact that we picked up a player that can score inside, rebound, and when needed, would be that guy to have your back. As a person, he was chill. He was a family man. Totally different person off the court because he was easy going but on the court, he was a menace.” – Team Guam teammate Jin Jan

“I remember playing alongside Dennis at the 2007 South Pacific Games—he was a tough player who never hesitated to step up for our team. Today, as Lieutenant Governor of the CNMI, he brings that same drive and selflessness to public service.” – Team Guam teammate EJ Calvo

“As a younger player with the Guam team I looked up to Dennis to show me the toughness it takes to play down in the trenches, grabbing rebounds and blocking shots, often as an under sized big man in our region.” – Team Guam teammate Seve Susuico

“Dennis Mendiola was a great player but also a great mentor to the young guys coming up with the national system. He had great natural ability and made the game come easy. Great player and a better teammate.” – Team Guam teammate Willie Stinnett

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