Mark Cruz finally returned to the pro ranks on Friday night after spending three months in the PBA D-League, but the 24-year-old point guard insists that he has still a lot to work on if he is to stay much longer this time.
“Marami pa akong ma-i-improve pa — alam ko sa sarili ko ‘yun,” said Cruz, moments after he and the Blackwater Elite suffered a heartbreaking, 92-89 defeat to the TNT Katropa.
“Tignan natin kung ano pang maitutulong ko. Sa practice gagawin ko naman lahat,” added the 24-year-old, who last saw action with the Tanduay Rhum Masters this past Tuesday, when their campaign ended in the semis against Cignal-San Beda.
Even if it was just his debut, the 5-foot-5 floor general was immediately trusted by coach Leo Isaac, as he was put inside during the game’s crucial 19-second stretch, serving as their floor general as the Elite tried to equalize from from the 92-89 lag.
The result did not go the way they wanted it, as Cruz’s pass to KG Cañaleta led to a missed left corner three-pointer. But for the Letran product, there’s no reason for him to sulk, as he feels he did what is right.
“Sabi naman nila good pass daw ginawa ko,” Cruz shared.
“Sabi naman ni coach Leo na kung maganda tira mo [take it] pero [‘pag] may mas better na option, ibigay natin doon. So ganun ang ginawa ko kanina.”
Asked if it will take some time for him to adapt to the pros’ style of play, Cruz believes that it will not be too hard, citing that his familiarity with Isaac — his coach at Blackwater during their D-League days — makes it easy.
“Actually hindi naman ganun kahirap,” said the one-time NCAA champion.
“Nakapaglaro narin naman na ako for coach Leo sa D-League. So konting adjustments na lang.”
Still, Cruz feels nothing but blessed that he has been given another chance to strut his stuff in the pro ranks. But for the 30th overall pick in the 2015 Draft, he still sees it as a challenge as he now aims to stay longer.
“Sobrang blessed ang feeling, and syempre masaya. In the end, hindi naman ibig sabihin na nakuha ko na [yung spot]. Kailangang pagtrabahuan pa rin,” Cruz declared.
