ANTIPOLO – Jericho Cruz had every reason to sit out on Sunday, but ultimately decided to suit up for San Miguel in their eventual victory over Converge.
The 35-year-old product of Adamson University didn’t want his team to play undermanned with Don Trollano out due to a hamstring injury, even though he’s already dealing with a recurring knee injury — and experiencing flu-like symptoms as well.
“Double whammy,” he told reporters moments after their 96-90 victory at the Ynares Center here.
“Nilalagnat konti. Medyo nafu-frustrate nga ako kasi pagpasok ko rito, parang lahat ng sakit nararamdaman ko eh.”
Cruz was initially ruled out but made himself available for a team that’s been bitten by the sick bug since coming back from Dubai. Even head coach Leo Austria is still under the weather and spoke hoarsely during the postgame presser.
“‘Di dapat, kaso wala si Don din eh. Sabi ko kay Coach, ready lang ako. ‘Pag pinasok mo ako I’ll give my 100-percent as always,” he said.
And the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals MVP ensured that the coaches were right in listening to him, chipping in six points, two rebounds, and a steal.
Even better, San Miguel notched its third win in a row to go above .500 for the first time in the Season 50 Philippine Cup standings after an 0-2 start.
“Maganda naman,” said Cruz, who’s been nursing a ruptured Baker’s cyst since the recent all-Filipino championship series against TNT. He played through it when he represented Guam in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
Asked how he managed to get through all that to not miss the game, the 11-year pro out of Adamson University had one simple response.
“Arcoxia is the key,” he said with a smile.
“Ginamot na ‘ko. ‘Di ko nararamdaman. Pero siguro mamaya paguwi ko, paggising ko.”
#WATCH: “ARCOXIA IS THE KEY”
Despite being under the weather and in pain, Jericho Cruz still played for San Miguel as his good pal Don Trollano was out 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/VIAC2Pe2UA
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times#PBA50 pic.twitter.com/6bh9ST652g
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) November 2, 2025
