Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
In the eyes of a Letran coach, Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal won’t really be having a hard time adapting to the pro game as the leaders of the Knights were drafted into teams where they can reach their full potential.
Although the Knights will be losing two of the key components from their NCAA Season 91 title run, assistant coach Louie Gonzales sees a bright future for those Racal and Cruz after their training in Letran.
Speaking at the weekly PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate on Tuesday, the deputy of coach Aldin Ayo pointed out similarities in Star and Alaska’s systems, which he feels will benefit the Letran studs.
“Mark (Cruz) will fit with Star, especially with the system implemented by coach Jason Webb,” Gonzales said of the NCAA Finals MVP in Filipino. “(Webb is doing) run-and-gun. As long as it’s in the open court, there won’t be any problems for Mark.”
Plucked in the third round, Cruz is one of the shortest players in this year’s draft class, but he showed in Letran’s NCAA run that he may be small in stature, but he doesn’t lack in heart and talent.
“Mark knows how to take advantage of his situation. We’re even telling him if it’s a school setup, he’s already a summa cum laude,” added Gonzales.
He also feels the same for Racal, which will be reunited with coach Louie Alas in the Aces fort.
“It will be an easy transition for (Racal) because we’re almost running the same style on defense, the full court press,” said Gonzales.
There’s no guarantee that a good college can translate to a successful stint PBA, but for Gonzales, Cruz and Racal are already off to a good start.