JERICHO Cruz will skip his final season with Adamson in UAAP Season 77 to join this year’s PBA rookie draft, a top official told Spin.ph.
The person with knowledge of the situation said Cruz was not be included in the Falcons’ lineup for Season 77 as the one-time Sinag Pilipinas member has already informed the school of his intention to turn pro.
“Gusto niya mag-pro,” said the source. ’Yun ang policy namin sa school na kung saan ka maligaya. Kung hindi ka maligaya, it will be hard to play well for us.”
Adamson coach Kenneth Duremdes recently told Spin.ph he was still hoping Cruz would play one more year with the Falcons, saying the 6-foot-1 guard remains a Falcon until he officially declares for the PBA draft.
The official said Cruz left the team in good terms as he decided to jump to the PBA, adding that the Falcons also understood the decision since he is now trying to earn a living playing basketball as he raises a new-born child.
“Maganda naman ang naging usapan. Iba na kasi kapag may anak na,” said the official.
Cruz's departure was another huge setback for the Falcons, who last year bid top big man Rodney Brondial goodbye after his final playing season.
Cruz averaged 14.5 points in his final season with the Falcons in 2013 and was among the candidates to be brought up by PBA D-League team Blackwater Sports to the pro league as direct hires.
However, the plan fizzled out when the Dioceldo Sy-owned team as well as fellow expansion side Kia Motors were denied direct-hire privileges by the PBA board.
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