Why did Jericho Cruz flash a dirty finger in PBA Finals Game 1?

Jericho Cruz found himself in a bind after getting caught on camera flashing a dirty finger late in San Miguel’s 96-91 loss to TNT in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals last Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Cruz will be meted a fine by the league, according to commissioner Willie Marcial.

Asked about what he did two days later, Cruz said he was only responding to TNT’s provocation.

“'Yong bench ng TNT, eh. Wala naman akong ginagawa, sinimulan nila ako. Pinu-provoke nila ako… bumawi lang ako,” Cruz said with a smile after San Miguel got even with a 111-92 triumph over the Tropang 5G in Game 2.

[RELATED STORY: Don Trollano recovers touch, helps SMB bounce back vs TNT in PBA Finals Game 2]

While that could only be a ploy to get him out of his game, Cruz actually feeds off that energy.

Often labeled as arrogant by fans, Cruz explained that part of his on-court persona was to clap back and retaliate — so long as they are all on the court.

“Ibang tao ako off the court. 'Pag sa loob ng court, ibang tao rin ako. Sa labas, medyo tahimik lang, enjoy-enjoy lang,” said the 35-year-old cager, who finished with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.

“Kapag sa loob ng court, nagta-transform, eh. Hindi ko alam, eh. Kahit noong bata ako, ganoon na ako.”

[WATCH: San Miguel regroups to take Game 2 of Finals vs TNT | PBA Highlights]

But the ninth overall pick in the 2014 PBA Draft has been in the league long enough to know it’s nothing personal.

At the end of the day, they are all basketball brothers who crave basketball success.

“Pero at the end of the day, it’s just basketball lang naman. Sa court lang naman 'yon. Lahat naman kami, gustong manalo. Ibinibigay namin ang best namin, ibinibigay din nila ang best nila. Ayaw nilang magpatalo, ayaw ko ring magpatalo,” he said. 

“Pero off the court, wala na. 'Pag nakita ko, babatiin ko pa lahat 'yan. Kumbaga, trabaho lang, walang personalan.”

—

Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.

He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.