San Miguel and Guam star Jericho Cruz. Photo from FIBA Basketball.MANILA – After powering the San Miguel Beermen to the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup title last month, Finals MVP Jericho Cruz is ready to contribute for Guam in its FIBA Asia Cup debut.
Cruz is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as a member of the Guam national team.
He was vital in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, where he helped Guam clinch a spot in the tournament for the first time in history.
"It's going to be a grindout every game and it's going to be hard to win. But we will try our best," Cruz said in a report on the PBA website.
Ahead of their FIBA Asia Cup debut, Cruz is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Guam national team.
"Napakasarap ng feeling kasi dun ako lumaki. At the same time, maliit lang ang population namin at wala kaming pro league doon," he said.
"To be able to play in the FIBA Asia Cup, malaking history yun ika nga. Sana kahit maka-isang panalo kami para another history for us," the 34-year-old Cruz added.
Guam will open its FIBA Asia Cup campaign against Iran on Wednesday, 11:00 p.m., Manila time.
Aside from Iran, Guam is also grouped with World No. 21 Japan and Syria.
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