Free agent Jericho Cruz set to sign with San Miguel

Jericho Cruz is moving over to San Miguel.

The 31-year old Cruz, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after his contract with NLEX expires on February 28, has chosen the Beermen as his destination after spending almost three years with Yeng Guiao and the Road Warriors.

The 9th overall pick of the 2014 PBA rookie draft will be third member of that batch to move on to SMC teams after Rodney Brondial (SMB) and John Pinto (Brgy. Ginebra. Other batchmates, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Chris Banchero, chose to transfer to TNT and Meralco, respectively.

Just like Brondial, Cruz will reunite with former Adamson Falcons coach Leo Austria.

The 6-foot-1 Fil-Guamanian bid farewell to the Road Warriors after the team’s 109-100 win over Rain or Shine earlier today.

“Forever Grateful. Glad we got this W today. Always thankful for you Boss Rod, Boss Ronald and of course CYG for EVERYTHING,” wrote Cruz on his Twitter account.

“To my NLEX Fam and coaching staff, LOVE YOU ALL! Goodluck on your next games. Thanks for a great run,” he added.

Forever Grateful 🙏🏽

Glad we got this W today ✊🏽 Always thankful for you Boss Rod, Boss Ronald and of course CYG for EVERYTHING 🙏🏽 To my NLEX Fam and coaching staff, LOVE YOU ALL! Goodluck on your next games. Thanks for a great run 🤙🏽 #NlexRoadWarrior #MuchLoveCYG💯❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/mtQcJTlurj

— Jericho Cruz (@jerichoXcruz) February 25, 2022

Cruz has submitted 9-game averages of 9.89 points, 2.56 rebounds, 2.78 assists and 1.22 steals for the Road Warriors this conference. He shot 42% from the field, 29% from long distance and 87% from the 15-foot line.

Guiao, who is also Cruz’ godfather, had this to say about his departure.

“Si Jericho, bahala siya sa buhay niya. Bahala si Jericho sa buhay niya, ayoko pakialaman muna kung ano yung desisyon niya,” said the former national team mentor.

“I’ll give him the leeway to make that decision, exercise his free agency. But we have an offer for him. But mami-miss namin kung sakali kasi ang ganda ng nilalaro niya eh these past few games.”

Cruz will make his debut for the Beermen on Thursday, March 3 against the Elasto Painters.