JC CULLAR played for Phoenix on Wednesday with the heaviest of hearts following news that his father passed away in Italy on the eve of the game against NorthPort in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Phoenix rookie who just signed with the team last May had four points and was perfect from the line in seven minutes and 24 seconds of play in the Fuelmasters’ 118-107 win over NorthPort. He also dished out four assists in the victory.
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After the game, the former College of St. Benilde standout headed straight to the airport to catch an early flight to Italy where his family is based.
Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin said Cullar decided to play despite his predicament.
“The first thing that I told him is be with your family. Kasi they are from Italy so I said go and get the fastest flight to be with your family. And he said I have an obligation to my family also here, to my Phoenix family,” said Jarin.
“And he said, my dad would love to see me play. He got the earliest flight after our game.”
Cullar’s teammates cheered him on after he made his final two free throws late in the game that he still decided to play.
“I salute him for that. If I was in his position, I wouldn’t even be able to move siguro. You’ve got to give a lot of heart to JC,” he added.
Jason Perkins also said Cullar still showed up in practice on Tuesday even with his father’s passing due to cancer, which motivated the team to win the game for him.
“It’s really hard to play after that happens with your family. He has a flight at 2 a.m. but still had the strength to come out and play and he played well tonight,” said Perkins.
“JC hasn’t been anything but positive and strong. I think that really inspired and motivated us today. Yesterday in practice, you wouldn’t be able to tell. He was in there getting shots off before and after. He stayed positive. And he works hard,” said Perkins.
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