JERICHO Cruz saw court time for the first time in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup when San Miguel played Macau.
Cruz has been bothered by back spasms for almost a month - or since Guam's stint in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers to be specific when it acted up during two games against Australia on February 26 and New Zealand on March 1.
“Nung naglaro ako sa FIBA, nag-start ‘to nung kalaban namin Australia. Tapos pagdating ng first quarter ng New Zealand, talagang parang ma-comatose ako ng three days," he said.
"Hindi talaga ako makagalaw. Ang hirap kasi buong back hanggang puwet. So talagang tinyaga ko lang ‘yung therapy, ‘yung rehab. Umabot naman sa punto na ok na ako.”
And before that back injury, Cruz was also bothered by tendonitis back in the 49th Season Philippine Cup finals against TNT.
READ: San Miguel proves too strong for hapless Macau Black Bears
That's why 35-year-old didn't come back to the Beermen until Tuesday, as he had little practice time. Still, the former Finals MVP wound up with seven points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in their 110-94 win over the Black Knights.
“Actually, two days lang ako nag-practice sa team. Pero siyempre, as a pro, kahit hindi ako nag-practice, nag-strength and conditioning naman ako on my own. Kaya nung tinawag ‘yung numero ko, I'm always ready,” he said.
A pleasant surprise
Cruz was actually surprised to have played against Macau, but was also glad that he saw action anew.
“Kinausap ako ng coaching staff na magbihis ako, mag-suit up lang just in case to get the feel of the court… Hindi ko naman in-expect na maglalaro ako," he said.
"Buti naglaro ako and walang nangyari sa akin. Naging successful ‘yung pagpasok sa akin, medyo nakuha ko ulit ‘yung feeling ko para sa upcoming games, medyo ok na ako.”
Cruz's return was timely, with San Miguel looking to get more manpower when it tackles Barangay Ginebra on Easter Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
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