
Press Release from Guambasketball.com– August 25, 2014
MANILA – Jericho Cruz who is half Chamorro and half Filipino is a former resident and graduate of Marianas High School of CNMI never gave up on his dream to become a professional basketball player. On Sunday his dream became a reality. Professional Basketball Association (PBA) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters selected Cruz with their first round 9th draft pick to sign with the professional basketball team.
In a one on one exclusive interview with GuamBasketball.com, Cruz described in detail the emotions and feelings he was going through once the draft selection got under way.
“I was super nervous sitting with all 87 rookies who signed up to be drafted. My agent Ed Ponceja and I were on the phone all day talking to prospective teams to make a deal the night before but you never know what can happen on the day of the draft. I knew I did not have a chance being in the top five. When they announced the 6th and 7th picks I started shaking and by the 8th pick I was looking down saying ‘help me out help me out Lord’. And then the unbelievable happened. Rain or Shine called out my name as their 9th pick and I was like WHAT? It was so unexpected since they were not one of the teams my agent spoke to. My heart started pounding and never stopped until the next morning when I woke up and thought was it all a dream. That is when the reality of everything sunk in,” said Cruz.

CNMI’s Jericho Cruz goes pro when Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rain or Shine selected him in the first round 9th draft pick on Sunday at Robinsons Mall Manila. No time to celebrate as Cruz reported to training camp the next day to meet his new team who are preparing for the upcoming PBA league that kicks off in October. (Photo courtesy of GuamBasketball.com)
Cruz, a standout player attending Adamson College, waived his right to play for the Soaring Falcons in his senior year entered his name back in June to pursue his dream.
“Playing in the UAAP College League gave me the training and experience to prepare for competition. I worked so hard and stayed focus on my goal to be a professional. I got picked up to play with the PBA semi pro D league team Blackwater during UAAP’s off season to fulfill the requirement expected of players planning on entering the draft,” explained Cruz. He adds that it prepared him to transition to physical and rough style of play in the PBA.
Cruz confirms he is still an islander at heart and cannot forget where it all began for him. “I started playing basketball on the islands and appreciate my coaches who helped me get to where I am today,” stated Cruz. He gives thanks to Joe Diaz with the Rollers Basketball Club, Jose Tumaquid with G-Stars Club, Elias Rangamar and Edzel Mendoza with Ol’Aces Club and CNMI Men’s National Coach Rufino Aguon for teaching and training him growing up.
There are no breaks or time to celebrate as Cruz was required to report to training camp with Rain or Shine the next day at their practice facility located in Greenhills. “Now the real work begins for me with my new job and I am ready to take it on,” laughed Cruz.
Cruz can now move forward with his new job and begin the journey of living his dream. “I encourage young athletes to keep dreaming, work hard and stay focused. Staying in school is important, keeping out of trouble and don’t do drugs because I did all of this to get where I am today,” said an emotional Cruz.
For more info on the 2014 PBA draft visit www.pba.inquirer.net for complete results.


GPS Sports Calendar
January 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
Events for December
31st
Events for January
1st
Events for January
2nd
Events for January
3rd
Events for January
4th
Events for January
5th
Events for January
6th
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
Events for January
7th
Events for January
8th
Events for January
9th
Events for January
10th
Events for January
11th
Events for January
12th
Events for January
14th
Events for January
15th
Events for January
16th
Events for January
17th
Events for January
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Events for January
21st
LIFT HEAVY + LIFT FAST – BFF SERIES
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for January
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for January
24th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for January
25th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for January
26th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for January
27th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
GLORIFIED SPARRING X
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Events for January
28th
5K DASH FOR ASH
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for January
29th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 1
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Events for January
30th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for January
31st
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL

Running/Track
’23 TRACK SEASON OPENS

Volleyball
H.S. BEACH VOLLEYBALL IN FULL SWING

Basketball
TAKUMI SIMON MAKING THE BEST OF PRO LIFE

MMA/Boxing
GLORIFIED SPARRING 10 SET FOR FRIDAY NIGHT

Running/Track
’23 TRACK SEASON OPENS

Basketball
TAKUMI SIMON MAKING THE BEST OF PRO LIFE

Volleyball
H.S. BEACH VOLLEYBALL IN FULL SWING
COMING SOON …
- 3rd Quarter Sports