Grab the bull by the horns, as the saying goes.
For Blackwater forward Art Dela Cruz, now is the time for him to grab the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of becoming a bona fide Gilas Pilipinas stalwart.
Last Sunday proved to be a career-changing night, as Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes announced the 12 PBA players that will complete the 24-man pool for the national team. And one of those whose name was called out was Dela Cruz’s.
“Oo sobrang nagulat ako,” admitted the 24-year-old sophomore.
“Thankful na rin and blessing na rin sa’kin yun kasi ‘di ko akalain na napili ako ni Coach Chot,” the NCAA Season 89 Finals MVP added.
The four-time champion in the collegiate ranks is currently averaging 13.8 points on 50 percent shooting to go along with 7.0 boards, 2.8 dimes, and 1.4 steals this conference.
With this opportunity, the ninth pick of the 2015 Draft is nothing but grateful of his inclusion to the Gilas program, as it is the very first time that it has ever happened in his young and flourishing career.
“Makuha man o hindi, at least [masasabi ko na] nagawa ko [mapasali],” said the six-foot-four forward from Bulacan.
“Achievement na para sa akin yung makasama sa pool.”
Looking at the current composition of the Nationals, the 24-man pool is loaded at the forward spot with the likes of Russel Escoto, Carl Cruz, and Bradwyn Guinto.
But for him, he is more than ready to accomplish the task at hand — to land a coveted spot in the national team and play for flag and country in international cagefests.
“I’ll try my best kasi hindi ko akalain talaga eh. So kailangan dark horse, laban lang ako sa spot na yun. Sa daming player na gusto maglaro para sa Pilipinas, yun lang gusto ko mangyari.
“Gagawin ko lang yung best ko. Maraming may gusto ng spot na yun, ‘di lahat ng player nakakakuha ng ganoong opportunity,” bravely vowed Dela Cruz.
