Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
BOCAUE — With Joe Devance out for the season, much of the limelight was casted on upstart forwards Kevin Ferrer and Aljon Mariano to cover the cracks.
But on Monday, with Ginebra making its debut in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup, it was the veteran Jervy Cruz, who filled in for Devance.
Cruz stepped up and helped the Gin Kings come away with a 89-78 victory at the expense of the Magnolia Hotshots on Christmas Day at Philippine Arena.
READ: Ginebra slips past Magnolia anew in Christmas Clasico
“I’m always ready,” the 31-year-old Cruz said of his solid 12-point, 8-rebound performance on Monday. “Once I’m given the chance to play, I’ll always give my all to help the team. That has always been my mentality.”
Not only did Cruz thrive in his move to the small forward position, but he also had a hand in Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar’s huge production as the two giants combined for 36 markers, 17 boards, and six blocks.
“I tell them that once they’ve sealed their defenders, expect the ball to come their way because I’ll pass it to them,” Cruz shared. “It’s just a bonus for me if I get open in the middle because the defense is worried on the two of them.”
The Gin Kings may still be dealing with a couple of injuries, with Sol Mercado also out of the lineup, but Cruz said that they are motivated to show that they are no flash in the pan and they are capable of winning the title without import Justin Brownlee.
“We’re pushing each other this all-Filipino because we want to be champions without an import,” he said.
“Yes, we’re coming off a championship, but coach Tim (Cone) tells us that we can’t depend on Justin. We have to step up and we want to show that we can do it.”