It’s an open secret that Jericho Cruz’s NLEX contract expires on February 28.
On March 1, Cruz will become an unrestricted free agent by virtue of him being part of the 2014 rookie class — the first batch of players that have the power to choose their own team once their contracts are up.
Yes, even in the middle of the conference, Cruz may end up wearing a different jersey as early as next week.
Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao is well-aware of this, saying it is within the 31-year-old Cruz’s rights to choose where his next destination will be.
“As an unrestricted free agent, when his contract expires on the 28th, it’s totally his choice [on where he will go].
“Kami naman, may offer naman kami sa kanya,” Guiao said to Tiebreaker TImes. “Actually, doon sa usapan din namin ni Danny [Espiritu, agent] that if there’s an offer from another team, let us know. Kung kaya namin na i-match, of course, we will try to match it. Kung hindi naman, we will not stop from any player from making a decision for the advancement of his career or salary or whatever.
“Kasama yun doon sa rationale on why the players are allowed to be unrestricted free agents. At the end of the day, it will be his decision,” the two-time PBA Coach of the Year added.
Tampering? No
Photo by PBA Images
Unrestricted free agency in the PBA has been a controversial point of discussion among fans. What are the dos and don’ts for the players and the teams? When can a soon-to-be free agent entertain other teams?
Technicalities that have yet to make public outside of the league.
Multiple league insiders though have told Tiebreaker Times that unrestricted free agents are free to talk to other teams 30 days prior to the expiration of their contract.
Take for example former Alaska big man Rodney Brondial. He had already been in talks with San Miguel last December before signing with them during the first week of January.
In the case of Cruz, he was free to talk to suitors last January 29.
Of course, Guiao would like to keep Cruz with the Road Warriors. After all, he is not only his player but also his godson.
“I would like to keep Jericho.
“Kami ang nag-draft diyan, played several years for me with Rain or Shine,” he recalled as he selected Cruz as the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft.
“And then when I got into NLEX, napunta siya sa Talk ‘N Text but from there, we made an effort to get him into our team,” he continued as back in June of 2019, Cruz was part of a three-team trade involving NLEX, TNT, and Northport.
Like a father though, Guiao will understand if Cruz moves elsewhere.
“I feel that he thrived in our team,” he said. “If he had not thrived, he won’t get a good offer from another team. At the same time, it is only logical for any player to look for the best situation for himself and for his family.
“We cannot fault him for that at hindi sasama ang loob namin dahil dun.”
Next Man Up
Photo by PBA Images
If ever Cruz decides to sign with another team, it will be another blow to NLEX.
After losing Kiefer Ravena to Shiga midway through the Philippine Cup, the Road Warriors also saw prized rookie Calvin Oftana (fractured ring finger) and 3-and-D guy Anthony Semerad (strained calf) go down with potentially conference-ending injuries last February 11.
Cruz, meanwhile, has been one of the most consistent players for NLEX this conference, norming 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest.
In fact, in the second-to-the-last game in his existing contract, Cruz dropped 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting with five rebounds, two assists, and a steal, helping NLEX pick up a 106-89 rout of Alaska to secure their quarterfinals berth.
Losing Cruz will be painful but as the Road Warriors have done, they will do whatever it takes to survive.
“Of course, we are ready. Although maraming nalagas sa amin. Nawala si Kiefer, na-injure si Calvin and Tony, at na-injure in Mike [Miranda] but we are still in there, we are still in the thick of the fight,” said Guiao.
“There’s a possibility that we will lose Jericho but we will apply the same logic for a new guy to step up. When there is a vacancy created, we are hoping that it will also apply pagnaghiwalay kami ni Jericho.”
Cruz will definitely still play for NLEX come Friday. Ironically, it will be against Rain or Shine.
And for sure, Cruz will pour his heart out as he always does during that game. May it be his last one with NLEX or not.
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