PBA: Free agent Jericho Cruz says goodbye to NLEX

NLEX guard Jericho Cruz. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Jericho Cruz may have played his final game for NLEX as he posted a farewell message to team following their 109-100 win over Rain or Shine in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup.

The eight-year veteran took to Instagram to thank his bosses in the Road Warriors Rod Franco, President and CEO of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, team manager Ronald Dulatre, and head coach Yeng Guiao.

“Glad we got this W today. Always thankful for you Boss Rod, Boss Ronald, and of course CYG for everything,” posted Cruz Friday.

Forever Grateful 🙏🏽

Glad we got this W today ✊🏽 Always thankful for you Boss Rod, Boss Ronald and of course CYG for EVERYTHING 🙏🏽 To my NLEX Fam and coaching staff, LOVE YOU ALL! Goodluck on your next games. Thanks for a great run 🤙🏽 #NlexRoadWarrior #MuchLoveCYG💯❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/mtQcJTlurj

— Jericho Cruz (@jerichoXcruz) February 25, 2022

Cruz, the ninth pick of 2014 Rookie Class, is entering unrestricted free agency once his contract with NLEX expires on February 28. 

Dulatre said that Cruz is still, technically, with the Road Warriors and will only be officially a free agent on Tuesday.

Cruz started his career playing for Guiao at Rain or Shine but the latter joined NLEX in 2016 abruptly ending their professional relationship.

The two were then reunited in 2019 when Cruz, who left the Elasto Painters in 2018, got traded to the Road Warriors from TNT.

“To my NLEX Fam and coaching staff, I love you all! Good luck on your next games. Thanks for a great run. #NlexRoadWarrior #MuchLoveCYG.”