FOR Maui Cruz, it was an easy decision to stay at Emilio Aguinaldo College after starring for the school's juniors team.
Cruz, one of the top high school standouts in the NCAA, decided to stay put at EAC despite finding little success with the Brigadiers, who won only two games last season.
“Doon po kasi ako galing. Galing rin po ako sa coach ko dati,” said the 19-year-old Cruz, explaining his decision to stay with the EAC Generals.
Cruz will be reuniting with EAC coach Ariel Sison, who previously handled the juniors squad before accepting the same position in the seniors division.
The Generals were able to convince Cruz to stay put after finishing as the leading scorer of NCAA Season 93 with an average of 19.7 points. Cruz also averaged 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest.
The 5-foot-9 Cruz was a late replacement in the recent NBTC All-Star Game but was nevertheless glad over the opportunity to play with the top high school players in the country.
“Nagulat po ako kasi replacement ako pero masayang masaya kasi nasama ako,” said Cruz. “Expect na ibibigay ko lahat, effort lahat.”
Cruz said he has already started practicing with the Generals squad that is playing in the PBA D-League while preparing for the Filoil Cup preseason tournament.
“Nagpe-prepare na po kami sa Filoil. Nung simula, medyo nahirapan po ako pero okay na po ako,” said Cruz.
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