Jericho Cruz is the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals MVP. PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Jericho Cruz won his breakthrough PBA Finals MVP trophy after San Miguel's triumphant run in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, which concluded on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Cruz credited SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua for being there for him throughout the Finals, helping the Adamson University product shut out the noise brought upon by his ways in the game.
READ: PBA: San Miguel reclaims all-Filipino throne at the expense of TNT's Grand Slam dreams
"Thank you so much, especially kay Boss Al, kasi si Boss Al nagbuhay sa 'kin ngayong Finals na 'to. Every game nandiyan siya sa tabi ko, lagi niya 'kong mino-motivate," said Cruz after accepting the award.
READ: Jericho Cruz on boos from TNT fans: 'Kahit murahin nila 'ko, basta 'wag lang 'yung family ko'
At the receiving of the boos by the opposing end's fans, with the help of Chua, as he said, Cruz stood firm and remained laser-focused on his game, posting averages of 13.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in the championship series.
After their game on Wednesday, he underscored that he's all business, referring to the bashers and the criticisms thrown at him.
"Wala namang problema sa 'kin 'yon, 'di ko na napapansin 'yon kasi siyempre nasa loob tayo ng court. Trabaho tayo, 'di naman tayo basta napipikon sa mga fans. Okay lang naman sa 'kin 'yon," he said by then.
The Beermen, who dashed the Tropang 5G's bid for a coveted Grand Slam, ended the series in six games, capped by a phenomenal 107-96 Game 6 win.