Jericho shakes off rookie jitters

Rain or Shine rookie Jericho Cruz tries to score against San Miguel defenders in their game in the All-Filipino Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association’s 40th season last Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. (KC Cruz)

Cruz did not start for Rain or Shine, which tabbed him as the 9th overall pick in this year’s rookie draft, but was called early from the bench to replace starter Ryan Arana. Cruz and his Elasto Painters went on to lose against San Miguel Beer, 79-87.

“Well, I was one of the guys that came off the bench. I was shocked that coach [Yeng Guiao] called me to sub for Ryan,” said Cruz.

“There was pressure. I was nervous a little bit since this is no longer University Athletic Association of the Philippines or PBA Developmental League games anymore. This is the pros,” added the former CNMI national basketball team member.

Cruz made his first PBA field goal, off a fastbreak play, in the 3:14 mark of the third with a foul to boot from San Miguel forward Ronald Tubid. He completed the 3-point play, to move the Elasto Painters within four, 60-56.

“I was pumped up and ready to go score some more when my first basket went in. And I scored against one of the best defensive players in the league [Tubid]. At least I got the jitters away and I’m ready for our next game,” added the former Marianas High School standout.

Despite the loss, Cruz remained optimistic of the Elasto Painters’ campaign in the season-opening conference since the All-Filipino Cup is just a few days old.

“It is like an NBA-like atmosphere. I know we lost but it is still a good game for us. We kept the game close and lessons were learned after this game. The season just started,” added Cruz, who finished with three points and one block.

The Elasto Painters played their season debut minus prolific guards Paul Lee and Chris Tiu, and Gabe Norwood. Lee failed to finish the match after hyperextending his right knee in the second quarter, while Tiu is still recuperating from a hamstring injury and is expected to return next month. Norwood just returned to Manila last Tuesday after an extended vacation in the United States following his stint with the Philippine national men’s basketball team in the International Basketball Federation World Cup in Spain and the Incheon Asian Games in South Korea.

Meanwhile, Cruz and the Elasto Painters play their second game tonight against expansion team Blackwater Elite at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. (Jon Perez)