PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft aspirant Jacey Cruz in action in the Qatar Basketball Federation. Photo handout.MANILA — With the journey for most young Pinoy hoopers en route to the professional ranks like the PBA being already tried and tested, only a few are willing to take the road less traveled.
READ: 128 aspirants enlist for 2025 PBA Draft
Most stars have shared a similar path: get attention at a very young age, receive scholarships — and at present, even huge allowances and other hefty perks — to represent a school’s junior and senior teams, and move on to play not only in the PBA, but possibly in overseas leagues like those in Japan and Korea.
However, that road was not the one that PBA hopeful Jacey Cruz took growing up.
Being based in Doha since his early years, the 21-year-old, 5-foot-9 guard was exposed to high-level action at a young age as a part of a Qatar league club’s youth team.
“Nag start yung interest ko sa basketball when I was six years old,” Cruz, who is the youngest in the Season 50 Draft Class, told ABS-CBN News on Monday evening. “Unang na-develop yung skills ko and yung interest ko kasi may kapitbahay kami doon na player din. Then yung dad ko noon, naglalaro din so sinabi ko na mag focus na ako sa basketball.”
“Then may mga leagues na rin for youth. Doon nakita ng coaches ko na may skills ako, speed, and then outside shooting. Tapos sa club teams, may naka scout sa akin na youth club team, nag training ako sa Al Rayyan Club. Doon na ako nakapasok and then almost three years ako sa youth club,” Cruz continued.
Having already played at the Qatar Basketball Federation Under-16, Cruz then went on to earn his huge break when he was 16 years old, receiving an offer to play for Al Rayyan’s main team in the pro ranks.
“Naghanap ng backup point guard yung Al Rayyan sa professional team na nila,” he said. “Na-injure yung isang point guard nila kaya naghanap sila ng magandang kapalit na bata and ako yung nakuha ng coach.”
“Doon na nag start yung career ko. From just going to trainings, nasa professional rin. Three seasons rin ako sa Al Rayyan, then nag champion pa kami, 3rd year, nag semis kami,” he added.
Facing NBA-level competition
Aside from Al Ryann, the Marikina-born guard who was born to Juvy and Melvin Cruz also suited up for Al Khor and Qatar Sports Club in the pro ranks during his late teenage years until earlier this year.
This was where he sharpened his game, being tasked to guard the likes of former Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans guard Walt Lemon Jr., as well as Anthony Edwards’ former University of Georgia teammate Tyree Crump.
“I already have the experience sa pro level and high intensity,” said Cruz, who has also learned from tenured coaches from the Euroleague. ”So I’d say it’s an advantage for me. Knowledge din and IQ, yun siguro yung lamang ko. Yun rin yung nag build sa akin to the kind of player that I have now.”
That is why — while he is anticipating an even tougher and more physical competition in the Philippines — Cruz has finally joined the PBA Draft.
“Every year that went by, I saw my development, kaya nagkaroon na ako ng interest to apply,” Cruz shared, before sharing how it is also a chance to fulfill the dream that he shares for his family.
“It would mean the world to us, para sa mom and dad ko, mga pinsan ko, mga tito ko, and all of those who support me from Qatar” he emphasized. “It’s such a big league, the PBA, so it would be a big pleasure. Lahat ng feelings, mararamdaman ko if I’d hear my name in the draft.”
Not a stranger to the PBA
PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft aspirant Jacey Cruz in action in the Qatar Basketball Federation. Photo handout.While this can be Cruz's first opportunity to play major hoops in the Philippines, his knowledge of the PBA is just as good as any hopeful.
An avid fan of the San Miguel Beermen, Cruz has idolized June Mar Fajardo growing up, and has patterned his game after that of the “Crunchman” Alex Cabagnot.
“Lagi kong napapanood si Alex Cabagnot,” he said. “Looking at his role as a point guard, as a lefty, as a shooter, and a playmaker din, I tried to pattern my game after him. Lalo na sa IQ niya and yung good decision making niya.”
“From time to time, usually ang imports kasi sa Qatar guards din, so sa akin naka depende yung playmaking and decision making,” he added.
Even before returning to the Philippines last week, Cruz — who is also playing for Qatar University as a sophomore — has continued training as he previously anticipated another go around with Qatar Sports Club.
But since the chance to enter the PBA opened, he has since shifted to higher gears in hopes of being drafted.
“I prepared myself physically and mentally, and lalo na sa conditioning and stamina ko with the help of my coaches,” said the hopeful, who averaged 13.7 points (38% 3 pts), 4.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in his latest season in the Qatar Basketball Federation.
“After the season, I had personal training and skills and conditioning to prepare for the next season sana doon if ever man. Pero nung nabalitaan ko na may PBA draft, mas nag double work pa lalo ako,” added Cruz, who has scheduled workouts with San Miguel, TerraFirma Dyip, and the NorthPort Batang Pier.
And while nothing is set in stone in his pursuit of a career here, Cruz said that — aside from his talents — he is certain of bringing certain qualities to whichever dream that may draft him.
“As a young player, ang mapa-promise ko is to give it my all,” he vowed. “With my speed, with my energy, lahat ng kailangan ng coaches, susundin ko lang.”