It was as if Jericho Cruz needed no break-in time with his new team NLEX.
In just his second game with the Road Warriors on Wednesday, Cruz had 16 points, six assists, three rebounds, and a steal to help his side conquer the Meralco Bolts, 100-91, for their first win in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“He looks like he’s okay,” said NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao. “Mukhang madali naman siyang naka-blend sa mga kasama niya. And the system is not new to him. So I guess, this is only his second game, but he’s close to his potential.
“So it’s a good sign for us.”
But as impressive as Cruz was scoring-wise, Guiao commended the Adamson product’s ability to create for his teammates. He showed as much with his six assists during the Road Warriors’ breakthrough win.
And back in his NLEX debut last June 14 where they bowed to the Magnolia Hotshots, Cruz actually had eight dimes.
“But the good thing also with Jericho is he’s also able to bring out the best in our other players. Gumanda shooting nila Iggy (Kenneth Ighalo), nila Bong Galanza, pati yung import namin (Tony Mitchell) actually,” Guiao pointed out.
“Jericho knows exactly what our ball screen offense is. That’s why he’s able to facilitate, not just score for us, and he’s also tenacious on defense. So he brings a lot to us on both ends.”
For five-year pro Cruz, meanwhile, he is simply fulfilling the role done by Kevin Alas and Kiefer Ravena, who both have yet to return to the fold for the Road Warriors following an ACL injury and FIBA-handed suspension, respectively.
‘I’m just doing my job trying to be a creator for our team kasi wala yung mga nagke-create dati, which is Kevin and Kiefer. So I’m just trying to fill that role. Luckily, gumanda, lahat ng player naka-hawak ng bola, na-involve silang lahat.
“When everybody touches the ball, lahat sila happy. Yun ginawa ko,” Cruz said.
