Cyrus Baguio and Jericho Cruz. Photos by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Every time Cyrus Baguio sees Jericho Cruz on the court, the Alaska swingman is reminded of someone who plays just like the up-and-coming Rain or Shine guard.
Fearless, ferocious and flashy—Baguio swears he’s seen this kid before.
“Kapag nakikita ko yung bata na yon, naaalala ko yung dating ako,” said Baguio, whose face lit up when asked if he notices some semblance of himself in the way Cruz plays.
A player unafraid of the physicality and who finishes with flare, their games mirror each other in more ways than one.
“Red Bull pa lang ako, ganon na yung laro ko,” Baguio said.
The similarities between the two guards, who are matched up against each other as Alaska and Rain or Shine duel in a best-of-seven series for the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup title, doesn’t end there.
Baguio was the 14th overall pick in the 2003 Rookie Draft by defunct Red Bull, who was then coached by Yeng Guiao. Guiao is now with Rain or Shine, which selected Cruz as the ninth pick two years ago.
Baguio and Guiao won a championship in 2006 and now, Cruz is now two games away of getting his with the same coach.
The 25-year-old Cruz has been a revelation for the Elasto Painters in only his second season especially in the grandest stage.
Cruz has come up big in the first two games of the Finals, collecting 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals in a 105-97 win in Game 1 and scoring 14 points in the Painters’ 105-103 victory in Game 2 last Sunday.
The 35-year-old Baguio admits he draws motivation in defending the much younger Cruz.
“Siyempre. Alam mo yun, pag ganon kabilis yung binabantayan mo mapapalaban ka rin. Siyempre advantage niya mas bata siya, mas malakas yung resistensya nung bata.”
Baguio is determined to slow Cruz down in Game 3, but he’s also not hiding the fact that he loves watching him play.
“Masarap panoorin yung batang yon. Marami pang maibubuga yung batang yon. Mag-i-improve pa yon.”