IT came a season late for Jericho Cruz. But certainly, it was worth the wait.
The tough playing, tough-talking guard clinched his first PBA Finals MVP award after San Miguel clinched the Philippine Cup championship Friday night by finishing off TNT, 107-96, in Game 6 at the Philsports Arena.
Cruz averaged 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in six games played in the title series as he came up big in victories during Games 3 and 4, and the closeout Game 6.
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He beat teammate and eighth-time MVP June Mar Fajardo for the award regularly given out by the PBA Press Corps.
He was a strong contender for the same award during the 2023-24 Commissioner's Cup, but lost to teammate Cjay Perez.
Cruz said bagging the award came as a bonus for him on top of winning his fourth championship for the San Miguel franchise.
"Yung championship na ito sobrang sarap kasi kababalik lang ni coach Leo (Austria) ulit," said Cruz of Austria, his college coach, who won his first league title after returning as San Miguel mentor midway through the season.
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"At the same time, nanalo pa ako ng award (Finals MVP) which is bonus lang di ba. Hindi ko maisip, hindi ko mapinta kung anong words ang dapat kong sabihin ngayon."
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