San Miguel star Jericho Cruz proud to make history for Guam at 2025 FIBA Asia Cup

San Miguel Beermen guard Jericho Cruz may have been born in Pasig City, Metro Manila, but he proudly represents Guam on the international stage after spending most of his childhood in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.

Cruz recently suited up for Guam at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, where the island nation made history by stunning Syria, 82-73. The veteran shooting guard played a pivotal role in the upset, scoring 21 points, including five three-pointers.

The win was Guam’s lone victory of the tournament, as they fell to heavyweights Japan and South Korea — games Cruz missed due to a hamstring injury. Despite the setbacks, the 34-year-old expressed pride in his team’s effort and the progress they achieved.

“We made history there. We won one game. Kasi coming from a small island na hindi alam ng iba kung saan, but we went to the big stage which is the FIBA Asia Cup. Yun nga nanalo kami. Sobrang blessed kami to get one win to make history for the island of Guam,” Cruz said.

For Cruz, the tournament was also an important learning experience.

CLUTCH CRUZ 😤

PBA Finals MVP Jericho Cruz led Guam to its historic first-ever win against Syria with 21 points, including a game-high five three-pointers and a clutch shot in the fourth quarter of their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup clash, 82-73.#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/Rr0RnIFehM

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 9, 2025

“Yung mga competition hindi ganung kadali. Mahirap talaga. So kailangan mo pagtrabahuan every minute na nasa loob ka ng court. Pero at the same time, happy ako. I get to meet other people, other players from different countries across Asia,” he added.

Looking ahead, Cruz said he is taking things day by day and is not yet focused on the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers in November, where Guam is set to face Gilas Pilipinas.

“Malakas naman yung Gilas. Di ko alam kung manalo kami but we will give ourselves a chance to win that game. Alam naman natin mga 2% to 3% lang yung chance namin doon. So I would just enjoy the game,” he said.

Cruz was selected ninth overall in the 2014 PBA Draft by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and has since played for TNT Tropang Giga, NLEX Road Warriors, and now San Miguel Beer. He has enjoyed a decorated PBA career, winning four championships, the 2025 PBA Finals MVP, the 2016 Most Improved Player award, two PBA Mr. Quality Minutes honors, and three PBA All-Star selections.

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