Jericho Cruz is set to return to action when NLEX aims for its first win in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup versus NorthPort, Wednesday.
Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao confirmed that the shifty guard will play at the 4:00 p.m. clash after sitting out last game due to a swollen ankle.
“Yes he’ll play,” wrote the decorated mentor in a short text message to Tiebreaker Times just hours before the tipoff.
Cruz got injured with 2:56 left in their 100-103 loss to Magnolia last Oct. 15 after landing on the foot of Hotshots forward Jackson Corpuz.
That injury caused him to sit out their match with Blackwater three days later, and his on-court presence was sorely missed as they lost, 88-98.
The 30-year-old was averaging 14.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 28 minutes before missing the game versus the Elite.
NLEX will go up against a NorthPort team that is practically in the same predicament as theirs as the Batang Pier is also hounded by injuries.
Last game versus Rain or Shine, Coach Pido Jarencio only had 11 players as Kevin Ferrer sat out due to a swollen right foot. He remains day-to-day.
Jonathan Grey has yet to return to the fold for NorthPort as the team continues to wait for the doctors’ clearance.
Both the Road Warriors and the Batang Pier are looking to earn their first win in the bubble as they have lost their first three assignments.
