Jericho Cruz did not get ahead of himself after learning that the February window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers’ Group C will be played in Clark.
For the 6-foot-1 guard, he first needs clearance from coach Yeng Guiao and the brass of NLEX to play for Guam in a few months.
“To be in the Philippines, sobrang happy, but I need to ask sila Coach Yeng first. Before I get excited, I have to get through that first. I have to ask permission from Coach Yeng and the rest of our bosses,” he said.
“But I’m happy since my family is here. Madali na kasi I don’t have to go out of the country. It’s more convenient para sa akin.”
It will be a weird experience for Cruz in February. Despite being home, he will suit up for Guam.
Cruz made his debut for EJ Calvo’s squad last February. He tallied four points, four rebounds, and five assists in their 94-113’s loss to New Zealand.
Another thing is that Quest Hotel and the AUF Sports & Cultural Center will be used by FIBA. Yes, the same bubble the PBA used.
Cruz is now planning to tell his teammates what it’s like to be there.
“Alam na rin nila siguro ‘yung feeling ng bubble. Some of them play in Australia and Europe. They are veterans,” he said.
“Ang masasabi ko lang is we have to be tough mentally since we will be away from our family, and [to] just enjoy the moment and the experience.”
It’s going to be a grind for Guam, though. They take on Hong Kong on the 17th, Australia on the 18th, Hong Kong again on the 19th, New Zealand on the 21st, and then Australia again on the 22nd.
Though it will be tough, Cruz plans to relish the experience of playing against the Kiwis and the Aussies.
“Para sa akin, I’m excited to play against other countries. I’ve experienced playing against them during my amateur years but not when I was a pro, hindi pa masyado. I’m excited to play and at the same time excited to learn dahil nakalaban ko sila,” he expressed.
“Baka madala ko ‘yung experience na ‘yun sa All-Filipino Conference ng PBA.”
