DRAFT GAMBLE PAYS OFF
Consider Jericho Cruz the steal of the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft.
Coach Yeng Guiao took a gamble on the former Adamson Falcon at ninth overall, hoping to shore Rain or Shine’s backcourt and cushion the impact of the loss of Alex Nuyles.
Against Alaska Friday, everyone knew the gamble paid off.
“He played like a veteran, he made his free throws, he made the winning basket, he defended well, and he certainly make us look good in drafting him in the Rookie Draft,” Guiao said, as his rookie finished with a career-high 16 points, 10 coming in the fourth, alongside six boards and four assists to tow Rain or Shine to its eighth win in 10 outings.
The 24-year-old Cruz is just glad with the extended minutes given to him by Guiao, saying, “I’m so happy that coach Yeng is giving me the time to play. Nagawa ko yung kailangan ko gawin sa game and nanalo kami.”
He is also elated with the confidence his teammates have been giving him, which also resulted in his stellar play.
“Family kami dito. Malaking tulong talaga yung mga veterans ng team sa akin. Sila Paul (Lee), Ryan (Arana), sila yung tumutulong sa akin,” Cruz said.
And he has no doubts that Rain or Shine could cover more distance once the playoffs start, regardless if they get the automatic semifinal berth or end up in the quarterfinals.
Cruz said, “Feel ko na pagpasok namin sa semis, andun na yung chemistry namin. Basta sa akin, laro lang ako.” (RL)
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