Phoenix newcomer Cruz sees Baguio as mentor, challenger

Mark Cruz has yet to make a proper impression in the PBA and with his trade from Star to Phoenix, the diminutive point guard could still face another hurdle.

Joining Cruz as a newcomer to the Fuel Masters is veteran guard Cyrus Baguio.

Cruz was formerly part of a Hotshots squad that included Mark Barroca and Justine Melton, and this time the former Letran Knight will have to jostle for minutes against Baguio, Chico Lanete, Josh Urbiztondo, and Simon Enciso with the Fuel Masters.

Cruz, though, sees the arrival of Baguio as a challenge.

“Oo naman, siyempre, hindi lang si Cyrus kundi lahat ng nandito,” said Cruz. “Sabi ni coach kung sino papasok dito kailangan i-welcome sa family, pero pag nasa loob na yung competition nandun.”

“’Yung minutes na gusto namin makuha kay coach kailangan paghirapan.”

While Cruz has yet to finish his first year in the league while Baguio has played in the PBA for more than a decade, the rookie expects himself to be a better player under the veteran’s tutelage.

Cruz is aware of Baguio’s unselfishness with the ball and he hopes to pick up on the veteran smarts that the gunner brings to the team.

“Nung nakita ko si Cyrus, hindi siya mahirap pakisamahan, willing siya mag give up ng bola and pag pinasa mo sa kanya gagawin niya lahat para maka score and makatulong sa team,” said Cruz. “Expect ko na mas madadagdagan ang knowledge ko ngayong makakasama namin siya. Gusto ko pa matuto nang mas marami sa basketball.”