Alvarez joins Cruz in Tanduay’s backcourt

Mark Cruz. PBA IMAGES

Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson only had high praises for starting point guard Mark Cruz, but the coach admits that he needs help.

“I live and die by him. Right now, with the way things transpired, he became my main man, so I look at it more as a blessing that his minutes are extended,” he said.

“However, what he needs is a quality backup.”

Chongson affirmed the the diminutive guard’s role as the team’s undoubted leader, but Tanduay addressed their team’s weakness by enlisting the services of Lester Alvarez just in time for the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup quarterfinals.

“He will be activated for our next game,” he said after Tanduay’s close 73-69 win over Jose Rizal University on Tuesday to formally snare the fourth seed.

Chongson has put the bulk of responsibility on Cruz’ shoulders all conference long, where the former Letran guard averaged 14.8 points and 4.0 assists in the eliminations, as the mentor desperately looked for an aid after releasing Raphy Reyes and trying out Jaycee Asuncion and Andretti Stevens in the Rhum Masters’ last three games.

With Alvarez, an ex-Adamson Falcon, Chongson looks to alleviate some of the pressure from Cruz.

“I signed him up so we don’t exhaust Mark too much,” he said.

Tanduay will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage against five-seed AMA Online Education on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.