MAKE it three Cruz-Dumont cagers in the UAAP as the youngest of the bunch, Cole Cruz-Dumont, followed suit in joining University of the East.
Cole was a former Western Mustang from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, where he played for two years before opting to take his talents to the Philippines just like his older brothers did.
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With Jack already quick to make an impression for the Red Warriors in Season 86, it'll first be Hunter's turn to debut in the red-and-white in Season 87 before Cole makes his entry in Season 88.
The soon-to-be UE star confirmed his move to SPIN.ph, sharing how it practically was a 'no-brainer' to complete the Fil-Canadian triple-threat originating from former Pasig Pirates hotshot John Dumont.
"Being able to compete and play with my two brothers every day at this level is something you dream about, so to follow their footsteps and play at UE was a no-brainer," Cole said.
The three of them, however, won't get the chance to play together as a trio. Instead, they'll be seeing action in the UAAP by pairs.
Season 87 will be Jack's last and Hunter's first of three playing years, while Hunter's second campaign in Season 88 will be Cole's first of two seasons.
Tall task, promising prospect
Jack set a steady benchmark as an ever-reliable scoring asset in his rookie season and UE's near-Final Four run with 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in roughly 25 minutes of game time.
He also finished eighth in the league in three-point shooting with a 35.4 percent efficiency rate.
With his versatile 6-foot-5 brother Hunter set to test the waters this season for what will be a new-look UE side after key exits led by Rey Remogat, Cole has his work cut out for him next year in blazing his own trail for the resurgent Red Warriors.
But seeing how the UAAP's joint-second winningest school continues to work its way back to contention, the 6-foot-3 playmaker ultimately found the team's 'hunger and eagerness' as the best match for his own basketball aspirations in his mom Trixie's homeland.
"It started last June when I visited the Philippines for the first time and got the opportunity to practice and meet everyone at UE. I saw the hunger and eagerness to be back in that Final Four and to bring a championship back to UE and thinking that I can be a part of that is very special," he said
"The culture and love for the game of basketball in the Philippines is like no other, I just can’t wait to suit up and play in the UAAP."
And the ultimate goal for the Cruz-Dumont brothers in the Philippines? Turn pro and represent flag and country one day.
"The goal has always been to play pro, and to be able to do that here in the Philippines at the professional level is what we are working towards everyday. To play for Gilas is something that would be very special. It’s an honor to represent the country and with the talent the Philippines has, I see a lot of big things on the way.
"One day, I’m hoping to earn that and play for this country."
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