Jericho Cruz “blessed” to represent Guam vs. Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Qualifiers

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

Now in his 11th year in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and entering his fifth year with the Guam national team, the 35-year-old Cruz said he feels “blessed” to represent Guam as they prepare to face Gilas Pilipinas in the opening window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

“I can’t believe it. Playing for the PBA and playing for Guam, what Guam had to go through to get to this stage—now it’s finally happening. I’m just hella excited to play in front of the home crowd. I know there’s a lot of Filipinos out here watching the game, so it’s going to be about 50/50 in the crowd,” Cruz said in a media interaction.

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“I never thought I would be in this position right now. I’m grateful and blessed at the same time. To be able to play for Guam, it’s a blessing for me,” he added.

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CJ Perez is wary of the challenge set to be given by Jericho Cruz and Guam in the #FIBAWC Qualifiers 🇵🇭 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/T30hM7NFMW

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Cruz is set to square off against several familiar faces from San Miguel, including PBA legend June Mar Fajardo and close friend CJ Perez.

“All those guys that play in the PBA, they are all my good friends. I’m just excited to go, and let’s see what will happen. I told my boy CJ, if he ever comes out here, I will give him some Chamoru barbecue. I will do it when he gets out here,” Cruz continued.

Despite the camaraderie, Cruz said all relationships will be set aside once they step on the court.

“I will definitely see them before the games, but I don’t want to hang out too much with them because we are going to be in a war. I’m setting aside the friendship right now,” he concluded.

Gilas Pilipinas arrived in Guam on Wednesday, November 26. The first matchup is scheduled for Friday, November 28, with the return game set for Monday, December 1.

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