[1] He led the South Gate Rams to an 18–8 overall record, an unbeaten Eastern League mark and one playoff victory.

In the L.A. City Sectional quarterfinal game, future UCLA teammate Josh Shipp's Fairfax High School team defeated South Gate 89–85.

Mata was recruited by Ben Howland along with Jordan Farmar, Josh Shipp, and Arron Afflalo to attend UCLA.

He then signed onto the Los Angeles Lakers summer league team in order to make a name for himself among NBA scouts.

In 2013, Mata helped lead Mexico to victory in the gold medal game against Puerto Rico at the FIBA Americas Championship.