THE earlier the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals ends, the better for San Miguel Beer, but most especially for Jericho Cruz.
The 33-year-old Cruz disclosed having already received a call-up from the Guam men’s national team and play in next week’s FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
His airfare tickets and other necessary papers have been taken care of and is actually just awaiting on when the title series between the Beermen and the Magnolia Hotshots will end before he leaves for the US Island territory in Micronesia.
Hopefully, San Miguel would be able to wrap up the series on Wednesday, according to Cruz, when Game 6 is played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Pinapapunta na nila (Guam) ako. Nagpaalam na rin ako kina Boss Al (Alfrancis Chua), Boss Robert (Non), and Boss Gee (Abanilla). Pinayagan naman nila ako kasi sabay naman sa Gilas yun,” he said.
Guam is bracketed in Group C along with China, Japan, and Mongolia.
It will play Japan on Feb. 22nd at Tokyo Ariake Coliseum, and then travel to Mongolia to play the home team on Feb. 25th at the Ulaanbaatar UG Arena.
Of course, Cruz wants to complete an unfinished business in the country before deciding to play in the Asia Cup qualifiers.
“Ayaw ko namang umalis ng hindi pa kami nananalo. I have to finish this job first bago ako umalis,” said the guard out of Adamson.
Cruz erupted for a playoff-career game of 30 points spiked by a sizzling 8-of-14 shooting from beyond the arc as he led San Miguel past Magnolia, 108-98, in Game 5 as the Beermen moved closer of clinching their 29th PBA championship.
Game 6 is set Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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