MANILA – Jericho Cruz couldn’t contain his gratitude and joy after clinching another PBA championship with the San Miguel Beermen — an achievement he considers even more meaningful given how far he has come since transferring from the NLEX Road Warriors.
Following the Beermen’s title-clinching 107-96 Game 6 win over the TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, Cruz reflected on his career revival and the people who helped make it possible — particularly SMC boss Ramon S. Ang and sports director Alfrancis Chua.
“Sobrang hindi ko maisip o maipinta kung ano’ng mas worst na sasabihin ko ngayon pero gusto ko lang mag-thank you kay RSA at Boss Al dahil kinuha nila ako sa NLEX. Gumanda ang buhay ko nang napunta ako sa San Miguel,” said Cruz.
Since joining SMB in 2022, Cruz has carved out a crucial off-the-bench role — particularly in the championship series against TNT. He also credited head coach Leo Austria and the rest of the coaching staff for consistently trusting him throughout the conference.
“At the same time, gusto ko lang mag-thank you sa coaching staff sa tiwala na ibinibigay nila sa akin every game sa series na ito,” the Ilonggo cager added.
Cruz revealed the team had little rest going into the season, especially after Austria returned to the helm.
“Actually, hindi nga kami nakapagpahinga eh, kasi si coach kahit baha, kailangan nasa practice ka eh. Pero ayun, worth it naman kasi champion kami,” Cruz said.
“Na-appreciate namin kay coach ‘yun kasi nung offseason talagang nakatutok siya sa amin, kaya ayun nagbunga ‘yung pinapagawa ni coach sa amin,” he added.
While Cruz was quick to deflect praise toward the coaching staff, he acknowledged that this particular championship felt extra special — not just because of Austria’s comeback, but also because of his personal milestone.
“Pero, at the end of the day, kaming mga players sumusunod lang sa pinapagawa ng coaches namin. Pero itong championship na ito sobrang worth it kasi kababalik lang ni coach Leo ulit and at the same time nanalo ako ng award, bonus lang naman,” he said.
“I am just very happy na nag-champion kami, makakapagpahinga ng konti, waiting din kami kay coach kung kelan kami babalik,” added Cruz, who now turns his attention to Guam’s campaign in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup this week./PN
