UST star Cruz to leave UAAP with a heavy heart

By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - September 9, 2008

Jervy Cruz wept when the final buzzer sounded last Saturday as the UST Growling Tigers ended their dismal 6-8 season with a 71-63 win over University of the Philippines.

Playing his last game with the Tigers, Cruz hit nine of his team’s 11 points in the final quarter to cap a three-year career in which he helped his alma mater win the title in 2006.

That championship was the one that Cruz wants to relive.

"Kung may gusto akong balikan siguro yung championship naming noong 2006," Cruz, who was then elevated from Team B prior to that season.

In his final game, Cruz scored 21 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, his seventh consecutive double-double effort.

Cruz said he’s disappointed that the Tigers failed to land a spot in the Final Four.

"Sayang nga kasi maganda entrance ko champion kami tapos pag-exit ko laglag kami so masakit," Cruz lamented.

UST struggled during the season, dropping heartbreaking defeats. The Tigers also lost key players like Japs Cuan and Francis Allera to injuries.

The Tigers also failed to win against teams that made the Final Four.

"Sa end game talaga nawawala kami, yung mga veterans medyo inconsistent tapos yung iba sa amin injured," he said.

Cruz played hurt in the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Hapee Toothpaste in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). He incurred the injury during the halftime break where he slipped off a wet surface.

Against doctors’ advice, Cruz opted to continue playing.

"Hindi pa ako 100 percent dahil sa hamstring, dapat nga ipapahinga ako this season pero sabi ko last season ko na at kailangan kong ibigay lahat para sa team," Cruz said.

Despite the Tigers’ elimination, Cruz remains as one of the top contenders for the coveted Most Valuable Player award for the second straight season.

Cruz leads Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Ateneo in the statistical points race with 75.0714 . He averaged 19.8 points and 13.7 rebounds in all 14 games this season as he led the league in both categories.

UST coach Pido Jarencio said he believes that Cruz has the tools to make it to the Philippine Basketball Association.

"Malaki ang potential niya na mag-PBA so good luck sa career niya, hardworker talaga siya," said Jarencio. "Siya ang MVP ng UAAP ganun kasimple, puro siya double-double kahit injured siya."

Cruz, who is celebrating his 22nd birthday today, is expected to suit up again for Hapee in the PBL.
He admits that he would miss college basketball.

"Ang mami-miss ko sa college basketball ay yung crowd," he reflected.

"Kung pwede lang na hindi ako aalis dito eh hindi ako aalis eh."