IF you're wondering where Jericho Cruz is, don't go looking to TNT KaTropa officials for answers.
TNT officials remained mum on the status of the former Adamson standout, who hasn't played for the KaTropa in over two months - and hasn't been seen with the team since his name was mentioned in a planned three-team trade for Ray Parks.
A team official who refused to be named said Cruz is still on the injured list but is no longer attending practices with the KaTropa, who acquired the shifty 6-1 guard from Rain or Shine for two players and a first-round pick last year.
Another source said the former Most Improved Player awardee is still on the trading block.
It has been more than a month since Cruz was relegated to the injured list, with TNT coaching consultant Mark Dickel claiming at that time that the player was suffering from a nagging hamstring injury.
That was around the time Cruz's name was floated in a three-team trade that was supposed to send rookie Ray Parks to Meralco and Bolts guard Baser Amer to TNT. Cruz was supposed to be moved to Blackwater.
While the suspense builds, Cruz waits. He hasn't played since March 24, or not since a 109-83 loss to NorthPort.
Frustration, understandably, is building Cruz’s camp. Cruz’s wife Mossah even posted a cryptic tweet on Tuesday.
“Pag ayaw niyo na, pakawalan na,” wrote Mossah. “Hindi ‘yung papaikutin pa tapos bobolahin pa hindi naman totoo. Hindi niyo alam yung damage na nagagawa niyo sa tao. Please lang.”
Retweeting a post that appealed to TNT to trade Cruz, Mossah expressed hope that this chapter of his husband’s career will only make him better.
“He will come back stronger than ever,” Mossah tweeted.
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