Jericho remains in Cloud 9 after being drafted in PBA

It has already been one week since Jericho Cruz was drafted by Rain or Shine in the Philippine Basketball Association, but still the reality of seeing his lifelong dream come true hasn’t sunk in for the former Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands standout.

The date of Aug. 24, 2014, will be one of the most memorable moments of Cruz’s life, along with being a dad early this year, getting picked and clinching a title with Blackwater Sports under coach Leo Isaac in the PBA Developmental League, and helping the Philippines win a gold medal in the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

Jericho Cruz is all smiles after being drafted ninth overall by Rain or Shine in the 2014 Philippines Basketball Association Draft held last Aug. 24 at Robinson’s Place in Manila, Philippines. (Kc Cruz)

“I’m happy and blessed that I’m finally part of the Rain or Shine family. But, still I couldn’t believe that I’m already in the PBA. As if, it was just yesterday that I dreamt of playing in the PBA and I thought I never had the chance to get in,” said Cruz in an email to Saipan Tribune.

“But hey I’m here now, facing the reality. I am so blessed and all my hard work is already paying off. One of the reason I’ve achieved this because all of the support of my family and friends [on Saipan], and the grace of God.”

Cruz’s PBA dream started on Saipan, where he honed his skills in various leagues before earning the chance to wear the CNMI colors in different tournaments in the Oceania region.

The former Adamson University King Falcon was also thankful to all the people who said that he won’t be able to survive the high level of basketball competition in the Philippines. He proved those doubters wrong.

“Back in 2009, when I left Saipan, a lot of people doubted me that I can’t compete with the players in the Philippines. I took that as a challenge and worked hard to prove them wrong. It was all negative, but I didn’t let that get into my head and instead used it as a motivation.”

Cruz was chosen ninth overall by Rain or Shine in the first round of the annual rookie draft. He will most likely get the minimum offer given to all rookies drafted in the Top 10.

It was indeed Lucky 9 for Cruz, who recently signed a two-year contract with the Elasto Painters, as it was his jersey number since he started playing and coincidentally his daughter, Pristine Thea, was born March 9.

“Truly, it’s been dream come true for me. I’ve always worked hard. I also get strength from my wife and daughter,” added Cruz, who became a father early this year.

The CNMI basketball community also celebrated after Cruz got drafted with his former coaches and teammates sending their congratulatory greetings through social media.