Jacey Kleon Cruz started playing pro ball in Qatar at 16 years old. Five years later, he comes home to the Philippines in hopes of realizing his childhood dream of playing in the PBA via the Season 50 Draft.
While most Filipinos go overseas to make their dreams come true, Jacey Kleon Cruz is one that is looking to find his way back home.
Although already playing professional basketball in Qatar, Cruz decided to chase his PBA dream and made himself available for the Season 50 Draft.
The 21-year-old is the youngest in the pool of 128 hopefuls.
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“After spending years playing professionally in Qatar, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing different phases of basketball—competing against and even teaming up with former NBA players, and learning under the guidance of experienced EuroLeague coaches,” Cruz told One Sports.
“Those experiences shaped me, but deep down, I’ve always had this dream: to play in the PBA,” he added.
The decision was a no-brainer for the Qatar-based cager, who started playing pro at 16 years old.
“For me, it’s the ultimate challenge in Asia, one of the toughest and most respected leagues. Now, I feel it’s the right time to take that next step and chase the dream I’ve had since I was a kid,” he said.
While he was raised in the gulf country, Cruz is no stranger to the Philippine brand of basketball.
“I’m very familiar with the unique and highly competitive brand of basketball in the Philippines. Physicality has always been a big part of the game here, and that’s something I respect and embrace,” said Cruz, who claimed he had a chance to go head-to-head against former PBA player Niño Gelig.
“I’ve had the chance to train with top university teams like the UP Fighting Maroons, and even in practices, I could feel the intensity and passion that Filipino basketball is known for.”
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He isn’t talking about superficial knowledge about the Filipino style of play. In fact, Cruz had always admired former San Miguel great Alex Cabagnot growing up.
Like Cabagnot, the self-proclaimed San Miguel fan is a lefty who has a knack for creating opportunities for his teammates and getting buckets whenever needed.
That’s why Cruz said he would be the happiest if the Beermen tabbed him in the PBA Season 50 Draft.
“As someone who grew up a San Miguel Beermen fan, it would be a dream come true to wear that jersey. If that happens, I’d probably be the happiest man on draft day,” he said.
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Nevertheless, just making the first pay-for-play league in Asia, regardless of team, would mean the world for the hardworking cager.
“I’ll give everything I have to help them win,” he said.
The PBA Draft is set on Sunday, Sept. 7 at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay.