MANILA –Ilonggo guard Jericho Cruz is relocating to the San Miguel Beermen after starting his 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup as a member of the NLEX Road Warriors.
The former Adamson University Falcons star formalized his move to the Beermen by signing a three-year deal on Tuesday, a day after his contract with the Road Warriors expired.
Cruz’s decision to join the Beermen was not surprising since he will reunite with his former college coach Leo Austria and teammate Rodney Brondial.
Talks of Cruz leaving the Road Warriors has been going around the past few weeks but NLEX mentor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao understands the Ilonggo guard’s decision.
“Mami-miss namin siya kasi maganda ang nilaro niya sa amin the past few games. But we are giving him the freedom to choose where to play next,” said Guiao.
“We are ready naman since it will be an opportunity for other players to step up,” he added. “Just like when we lost Kiefer (Ravena), our other players will step up.”
Cruz, a former PBA Most Improved Player awardee, was acquired by the Road Warriors from the TNT Tropang Giga three years ago after the latter put him on reserve list.
The Ilonggo guard revived his PBA career with the Road Warriors and was one of the key contributors for their strong start in the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup.
“Kahit ako naman mami-miss ko yung mga mura ni coach Yeng, e. Pero sabi niya naman sa akin you do what’s best for your family, kasi hindi na tayo bumabata ngayon,” Cruz said.
“At the end of the day, I’m thankful, blessed ako na binigyan ako ng NLEX ng opportunity to represent the company,” he added./ PN
