Just 2 games in, Cruz proving to be a perfect fit for TNT

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

It’s only been two games, but Jericho Cruz looks like he has found a new home in TNT.

After having a solid debut for the KaTropa last Wednesday, the 27-year-old was at it again, this time punishing the Phoenix defense on his way to 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in a 118-97 victory for the last quarterfinals slot.

It was a perfect encore just days after he posted 17 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals in a 101-75 blowout of NLEX.

And Cruz only has one man to thank for his early success.

“I just want to thank coach Nash for giving me all the trust. That’s big for me because without him, I wouldn’t be in this position right now,” he said.

Cruz has put his past behind him as he moved forward from the mid-conference trade that saw him go from Rain or Shine to TNT. And in his two-week stay, the former Adamson guard has made strides joining his new backcourt partners like Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, and RR Garcia.

“We’re just having fun,” he shared. “We help each other up, we’re pushing each other. Especially kuya Jayson who is vocal to us. All I want is to help the team because I’m really happy to be here right now.”

Cruz also acknowledged that it’s not just all fun and games especially with a quarterfinal duel against San Miguel set on Tuesday.

“As we all know, San Miguel is the number one team right now, especially if it’s in the all-Filipino because nobody can guard June Mar (Fajardo),” he said. “But for us, we’ll just gonna help each other out. We’re just excited to play, try to put up a show, and help the team win.”