Little did three-point gunner Carl Cruz know that his small acts of sportsmanship in the 39th William Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan, a week ago would be rewarded hugely by Gilas Pilipinas’ main backer, Chooks-to-Go.
During the Nationals’ presser Saturday afternoon at the Vu’s Sky Bar in Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City, the six-foot-four Alaska Aces rookie received the Chooks-to-Go Sportsmanship Award, which goes with P100,000.
And as the giant cheque was handed out to him, the 25-year-old Far Eastern University product never thought that such reward would come his way.
“I never imagined na meron palang award na ganito,” said Cruz.
“I feel very honored to be tagged as a player who exemplifies sportsmanship. Sa akin naman I’m just playing my game, and as much as I can, I try to play ng malinis.”
The award from the national team’s official roasted chicken, from now on, will be given to players who live up to the company’s aim of reviving the true meaning of sportsmanship in every tournament they play in.
The Quezon City resident was full of appreciation, thanking everyone from Chooks-to-Go, to Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. president Ronald Mascariñas — who was also in the presser — and the whole Gilas squad.
“Of course thank you sa Chooks-to-Go.
“Thank you very much siyempre kay Boss Ronald! I am nothing but honored sa award na ‘to. And siyempre salamat din kina Coach Chot [Reyes] and to all my teammates,” he said.
It is already known that promising forward will serve Gilas in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup and in the 2017 SEA Games this August. And with that, Cruz vows to continue his ways, all for the benefit of the team and the country.
“I promise to continue itong ganitong laro ko.”
