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Mark Cuban says his wallet helped get Fernando Mendoza to Indiana
TL;DR
Mark Cuban financially supported Indiana's pursuit of quarterback Fernando Mendoza after his transfer from Cal. Cuban's involvement was motivated by his connection to Mendoza's brother, who he knew from Miami Heat games.
Key points
- Mark Cuban supported Indiana's football program financially
- Cuban helped recruit quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Cal
- Cuban has a personal connection to Mendoza's brother Alberto
Mentioned in this story
Mark CubanFernando MendozaAlberto Mendoza
Indiana HoosiersCal BearsMiami Heat
Indiana's football program is riding high after winning the national championship, but fans are learning about some of the behind-the-scenes moves that set the Hoosiers up for success.
USA TODAY Sports notes that mogul businessman Mark Cuban revealed that he provided financial backing for Indiana to go after Fernando Mendoza after he left Cal.
"(Indiana athletics director Scott Dolson was) like, 'we've got this quarterback that we really, really like that we think would be great,'" Cuban said in an interview with Front Office Sports. "'We just need a little bit more.' I'm like, 'How much is a little bit?' And so, he told me, and I'm like, 'OK, we're on a roll, I'll put up the money to get this quarterback.'"
Cuban, an Indiana University graduate, did not disclose how much money he put up, but revealed that he knew Mendoza's brother Alberto because the latter would sit behind the Miami Heat bench with Cuban not far away.
Hoosiers fans might argue it's the best investment Cuban's ever made.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Indiana Football: Mark Cuban helped Hoosiers land Fernando Mendoza
Q&A
How did Mark Cuban help Indiana football recruit Fernando Mendoza?
Mark Cuban provided financial backing to Indiana's football program to facilitate the recruitment of quarterback Fernando Mendoza after he transferred from Cal.
What connection does Mark Cuban have to Fernando Mendoza's family?
Mark Cuban knows Fernando Mendoza's brother, Alberto, who used to sit behind the Miami Heat bench during games.
What recent achievement has Indiana's football program accomplished?
Indiana's football program recently won the national championship, boosting interest in their recruitment efforts.
