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Rain or Shine’s Cruz makes most of minutes with Lee out, registers career-game
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No Paul Lee, no problem.
Rain or Shine continues its roll despite missing its star guard, and one big reason for that is Jericho Cruz’ impressive run this 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup.
The sophomore out of Adamson University tallied a career-high of 23 points on Saturday which went with three assists and two rebounds as Cruz lead the Elastopainters to a 103-81 rout of Blackwater.
READ: Rain or Shine gets share share of no. 1, wallops Blackwater
But Cruz just downplayed his career night, saying, “Naka-tsamba lang.”
“I just try to play my role. Whenever coach put me in, gusto ko magtrabaho para di sayang yung pagpasok ko from bench,” he said. “Ginanahan din ako kasi nawala si Paul, knowing Paul is one of the best players. Gusto ko lang mag-step up and fill the gaps left by his role. At least, nagawa ko.”
Even without Lee, the Elasto Painters have done an admirable job in protecting their fort en route to a 4-1 record, good for a share of the first spot.
Yeng Guiao recognizes Cruz’s contributions in Rain or Shine’s campaign so far.
“He’s blended well and I think he picked up his game, he learned his role very quickly. Mabilis yung transition nya from being a rookie to being a sophomore, on being able to find his proper place with the team,” he said of the energetic winger who has become of the his steady contributor.
“It’s just a question of matching a player’s personality and ability with the kind of system that the team has. He jelled well with the big men. He’s getting a little bit more playing time because wala si Paul. That’s the idea I want to pursue with Josan (Nimes), (Don) Trollano, and (Maverick) Ahanmisi.”
READ: Guiao says Lee’s absence gives ROS rookies chance to step up
Cruz agreed with his coach’s assessment.
“Sana nga. I feel nag-fit naman ako because I’m more of a runner in transition, pero pag set piece naman, ok din.”
For Cruz, it’s just a matter of making most of the opportunity given to him as he puts in the work for the Elasto Painters.
“Nag-payoff yung hardwork na ginagawa ko,” said Cruz. “I’m just playing, try to have fun, nage-enjoy lang ako sa laro. Kahit ipasok ako ni coach Yeng ng third, fourth, o first quarter, ieenjoy ko lang yung game. It doesn’t matter kung konti lang ang playing time. Ineenjoy ko lang. Chine-cherish ko yung moment na nasa loob ako.”
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