By John Raphael Mendoza
NLEX Warriors' guard Jericho Cruz is ready to play again for Guam in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers.
Cruz, who started to play for Guam early in February this year, is expected to play a key role for the team when it takes on Hong Kong at the FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers in Jordan.
“Blessed and Grateful to be able to travel and play the sport that I love. Bout that time! Let’s get it. #Guamproud,” he posted in his personal Instagram account.
Cruz, who was born in the Philippines, but grew up in Guam, started his basketball career in Saipan, where he helped the CMNI national basketball team finish sixth place in the 2008 FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament.
He was drafted ninth overall by Rain or Shine in the 2014 PBA draft. Last year, he made his presence felt in his Guam debut in the FIBA Asian Cup 2021 qualifiers, where he had 4 rebounds, a steal and five assists in 28 minutes.
Guam’s national team is scheduled to face Hong Kong on June 13 at 9 p.m. (2 a.m. Philippine time) and on June 15, 4 p.m. (9 p.m. Philippine time).