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    Jericho validation paves way for Jayvee Dela Cruz to make SMB roster

    Unheralded playmaker gets start right in his debut where he dished out five assists
    Jul 1, 2023
    Jayvee dela Cruz San Miguel PBA On Tour
    PHOTO: PBA Images

    UNHERALDED Jayvee Dela Cruz has taken his act from the D-League to the PBA On Tour.

    His coach and now San Miguel teammate Jericho Cruz made everything possible.

    Jayvee dela Cruz journey to PBA On Tour

    With the Beermen playing with a shorthanded lineup in the preseason, Cruz referred and offered the services of Dela Cruz, his player with the Philippine Sports Performance (PSP), where he served as one of deputies to coach John Paolo Lao.

    Cruz said he asked the player to attend San Miguel’s practice as sort of a tryout, and appeared to have gotten the nod of the coaching staff as he was immediately included in the team’s lineup in its next game against NLEX.

    “Ayun tuwang-tuwa nga, e. Medyo excited nga. Siyempre, dream din ng bata na makapasok sa PBA kahit On Tour lang din, kasi lahat naman ng players yun ang pangarap,” said Cruz of the young San Miguel point guard.

    Cruz was a starter right away in his debut game against the Road Warriors, but appeared to be overwhelmed by the situation that he struggled with his shooting (1-of-7) and finished with three points and five assists.

    He was also 1-of-5 from three-point range in a performance that hardly reflected the way he play with the Gymers where he was the team’s top scorer in the D-League.

    “Na-overwhelm lang yung bata. Na-excite,” said Cruz as the Beermen lost to the Road Warriors, 102-94, after losing grip of a 19-point lead.

    Despite the loss, Cruz said he’s very happy seeing Dela Cruz playing alongside some of PBA’s best players.

    “I’m happy to help other players kasi hindi naman lahat nabibigyan ng ganitong opportunity. So para sa akin, I’m so happy for him na nakalaro siya sa On Tour kahit wala siya sa lineup, pero the fact na naglalaro ka and you’re wearing a San Miguel jersey, nakaka-proud din,” added the veteran San Miguel guard.

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      Cruz believes the native of Pasay City would fare better in his next game.

      "OK yang bata. May laro din naman,” he said.

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

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      PHOTO: PBA Images
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