Just a year ago, diminutive gunslinger Mark Cruz was in the PBA, riding the bench for the already-stacked Purefoods Star Hotshots.
Cruz barely sniffed the court due to Star’s heavy guard rotation then, with the likes of veterans Mark Barroca, Justin Melton, and PJ Simon having a share of playing the one-spot.
But a year after — a span that included a two-conference stint with Phoenix Fuel Masters after being traded by Star — the five-foot-five point guard finds himself back in the amateur ranks.
With no PBA team acquiring his services, the Letran alumnus went back to the PBA D-League, serving as a key addition for Tanduay Rhum Masters in the 2017 Aspirant’s Cup.
And on Monday night, Cruz debuted for the Tanduay franchise, but it was not a fitting one as the Rhum Masters absorbed an 83-67 loss into the hands of Cafe France Bakers. The 22-year-old finished with a stat line of 11 markers, three boards, and six dimes.
“Actually, yun ang problem namin talaga. A month pa lang kami nagsasama,” lamented Cruz after the match regarding the loss, addressing chemistry as their primary issue.
“Wino-work out naman namin yung mga bagay na alam namin na dapat pa iimprove.”
Despite the loss, his contribution is considerably a decent one, especially for a guard his size. His performance is a clear indication that Cruz, who was a 2015 NCAA champion, still has the tools.
And for him, he knows that his only goal is to prove himself and to everyone that he can compete at a higher level, not just in the developmental league.
“Oo naman. Alam ko na kailangan ko i-prove ulit ang sarili ko,” said Cruz, who had averages of 4.1 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per outing in his rookie year.
Still, Cruz is garnering confidence for himself through his belief that his experience is what will separate him from the pack.
“Noong bago ako pumasok sa D-League, ganoon ang nasa isip ko (na mas experienced ako sa kanila). But ganun talaga eh. Ito muna siguro yung para sa’kin.”
His first game in the amateurs since 2015 with MP Hotel is already done. It may be a long ride back in the pros, but Cruz remains eager and hopeful that he can return up there.
“Who knows, baka makabalik ako. Every game I take it as a challenge. There’s pressure but I take it as a motivation,” pointed Cruz, who was the 30th overall pick in the 2015 draft.
And Cruz, just as he has done throughout his young career, looks to climb another tall task.
