AFTER a spectacular season in the UAAP where he won the
coveted MVP plum, Jervy Cruz hopes to bring his act to a higher level when he
debuts for Hapee Toothpaste in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup beginning
tomorrow.
For his sheer talent and courage, the 6-foot-5 center from
University of Sto. Tomas is trumpeted as the next big thing in the country’s
premier amateur league. The Complete Protectors take on Toyota Otis tomorrow.
"We have a great hope in him, sana nga siya na yong missing
link ng team," said Hapee team manager Bernand Yang of the soft-spoken but
talented Cruz, who also played a key role in the Philippines’ gold medal win in
last year’s Thailand SEA Games.
"He’s now ready to play for the team. He maybe a rookie but
we are certain he will make a great impact right away," added Yang.
After a two-conference leave starting in the second
conference of 2004, Hapee made it to the finals twice but the Complete
Protectors failed in both occasions owing to lack of a legitimate center.
Believing the King Tiger is capable of plugging the hole in
the middle, the Hapee management, led by owner Dr. Cecilio Pedro, is hoping they
will be lucky the third time around.
"This is a great challenge to me but I will do everything to
help the team win another championship," said Cruz, who recalled that he was
sitting near Hapee’s bench when Harbour Centre beat them for the title last
December.
The task at hand appears more difficult than before for Hapee
following the return of Jason Castro, Beau Belga, Jonathan Fernandez, Chad
Alonzo, Jeff Chan and Boyet Bautista to Harbour Centre after being loaned to the
RP team.
But Yang is convinced they have now what it takes to
challenge Harbour Centre’s dominance in the league.
"With Cruz around, we now have a good shot at the title because he’s a
scorer. He’s big threat inside the paint," said Yang.
