Jericho Cruz out to chase dream as he leaves Adamson for PBA

By: Celest Flores-Colina - 10 years ago

JERICHO Cruz of Adamson INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — There’s no better time for Jericho Cruz to pursue his lifelong dream than today.

With a bigger chance to get picked with the entry of the expansion teams in the PBA, Cruz has decided to forgo his college eligibility in the UAAP and join the upcoming PBA rookie draft.

“It was really hard for me to decide. Of course I would always want to play for my school but we really think that this is the best time. We are talking about two more teams joining the PBA, that means more opportunities,” Cruz told INQUIRER.net.

With three new rosters waiting to be filled up by October, a boon for free agents and rookie hopefuls, Cruz is just pouncing on the opportunity.

“If this was a newly-opened company, there could be 150 openings today but only 15 by next year. So I’d have a bigger chance to get accepted [this year].”

The news of his departure from the Falcons’ nest has been floating around all summer but Cruz said he only bade Adamson goodbye last Wednesday.

He even sought the advice of new head coach Kenneth Duremdes before ultimately making his move, which came after joining the Falcons’ in their build-up for UAAP season 77 opening in July.

“I practiced with the team regularly. I talked with all of the coaching staff and all my teammates only [Wednesday]. Coach Kenneth understands me because it’s for my future and he even gave me an advice,” Cruz, who recently became a father, said.

His joining the PBA comes as a huge blow for the Falcons, who, as last year’s seventh place, also lost center Ingrid Sewa and Rodney Brondial along with long-time mentor Leo Austria.

In his two-year stint with Adamson under Austria, the six-foot-one transferee from Rizal Technological University emerged as the Falcons’ explosive and prolific scoring go-to-guy.

And when he took his talents to the PBA Development League, Cruz also made an impact for Blackwater — one of the three newest teams in the PBA.

“I’m still not sure if someone will pick me. But my family and I are just hoping that I’ll reach my dream here in the Philippines and that’s to play in the PBA,” Cruz, whose family resides in the United States, said. “I will just keep on praying and working hard to get there.

This year’s PBA rookie draft is scheduled on August 24.