Tigers’ hotshot

By Giovanni Paolo J. Yazon
Manila Standard
October 20, 2007

Jervy Cruz is undoubtedly an astounding force in the University of Santo Tomas’ Growling Tigers basketball team—what with his average per game of 16.7 points, 1.4 blocks and 15.4 rebounds!

That’s why it didn’t come as a surprise when this 6-feet and 5-inch tall forward/center who wears jersey no. 20 was named Most Valuable Player in the 70th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament, at the season’s awarding rites held at the Araneta Coliseum two Sundays ago. This 21-year-old commerce junior is the second Growling Tiger to get the award, the first one being Christopher Cantojos, who got it twice, in 1995 and 1996.

Cruz was also cited as PS Bank’s “Maaasahan Player of the Year,” for his exceptional leadership in and out of the court, which makes him better off by P50,000! Last year, he won as UAAP’s Best Defensive Player over Edwin Asoro of the National University Bulldogs.

The España-based team failed to achieve a back-to-back victory this season, but Cruz’ success is definitely something to be proud of. And so in the spirit of goodwill and appreciation, UST tendered a luncheon for all their athletes “with or without trophies, notwithstanding” at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex last Oct. 5. The gathering brought together Thomasian sportswriters and friends from the media who provided sports aficionados the much-needed information on UAAP sports events and personalities.

This writer bumped off with “Mr. MVP” after the program. He talks about his life on and off court:

Manila Standard Today: Since when have you been “in love” with basketball?

Jervy Cruz: I started playing basketball when I was in grade six [I was a volleyball varsity player until grade five] at Our Lady of The Sacred Heart Academy [in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, where I also spent my high school years]. I got inspired after having seen PBA players Danny Seagle, Danny Ildefonso and Alvin Patrimonio play. My parents (Manuel Cruz Sr., a migrant worker, and the former Cora Alaba) also enrolled me at the Milo Basketball Best Center… and went through level 3. Nagka-MVP award na rin ako pero nung intramurals pa yun (he smiles).

Is your being a Growling Tiger a choice or a destiny?

I think it’s a destiny: I was about to enroll already at the Far Eastern University, pero napadaan ako sa UST. Nagbakasakali ako… I asked one of the players [who’s training that day] kung paano ba makapag-try out. After some sessions, I got accepted—I made it to the team B lineup, so that’s how everything started (he smiles).

What are your strengths and weaknesses on court?

I’m good in rebounds and blocks… but I still have to improve on my dribbling and shootings from outside the shaded lane and from the free-throw line.

So what does it take to be UAAP’s MVP this season?

Tsamba lang siguro (he laughs}. Sinusuwerte lang siguro tayo. I couldn’t believe it [that I won as MVP]. I thank God for giving me this… though it would have been better if we [the entire team] made it to the championships. But as a whole, I’m happy!

How do you prepare for an upcoming game?

Of course, a lot of practice, I take vitamins, I drink milk before I sleep (he smiles), and I pray a lot… I go to church before a game.

Who’s your buddy among the Growling Tigers and why?

Pinaka-close ako kay Chester Taylor… mabuti siyang tao (he smiles).

What’s the greatest thing that fans ever did to you?

They shaped four yellow balloons into letters C-R-U-Z [my surname]. Though I didn’t see it after our game, I saw its photo over the Internet (he smiles).

Who are your idols?

My role models are NBA cagers Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal as well as PBA player Eric Menk of the Ginebra Kings.

Life, for you, is…

Like a basketball game, you win, and [you] lose sometimes. Para din siyang bola eh, there are times you’re up [there] then you’ll be down [there]. When we [lost to Ateneo and] placed fourth [this season], when we were already singing the school hymn, I was like ashamed of myself because [it was like] I haven’t done something to defend our title [last year]. But I promised to do my best… maybe the Lord has other greater things in store for us (he smiles).

Are you already “taken” or “still available?” If ever, who’s the lucky girl?

Meron na eh (he grins). Her name is Catherine Ong, an alumna of UST.

And your message to UAAP player wannabes is?

Work hard and always have patience to reach your dreams. It will come true in His time!

(Special thanks to Fr. Ermito de Sagon, OP, director of UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics and UAAP president; and Director Giovanna Fontanilla of the Public and Alumni Affairs Office)