Art dela Cruz, the newest member of returning former MPBL champions Davao Occidental Tigers, has quickly fit in like a glove for the multi-titled squad which aims to make its mark back on the fastest growing nationwide basketball event.
The second generation cager provided the spunk up front for the Tigers as he finished with 12 points and seven boards in a tough 72-71 win over Bacolod late Tuesday night at the San Andres Gym.
Amid the early struggles, Dela Cruz, who has been a few months removed from playing in the Philippine Basketball Association, has high hopes for the Tigers, whom he considers as a ‘work in progress.’
“Marami pang dapat trabahuhin,” said the son of former PBA player Arthur dela Cruz. “We just got together around two weeks pa lang so kailangan naming mag-trabaho to get to know each other well. Para magaka-amuyan.”
The entry of Dela Cruz gave the Tigers stability in the power forward spot as he could either share the No.4 position or play alongside Bam Gamalinda and another new recruit, Kenneth Ighalo, formerly of NLEX.
Against Bacolod, Davao Occidental trailed three fourths of the way before getting its rhythm in the final quarter.
Dela Cruz believes the team could only get better.
“Kailangan namin malaman yung strengths nung isa’t-isa,” added Dela Cruz. “Hindi naman sa puro pangalan lang at kailangan naming ipakita sa Davao Occidental, champion team ito, at sa management, na kailangan naming maglaro nang husto.”
According to Dela Cruz, the Tigers management had been nothing but supportive on the squad.
“Alam nila na ganito talaga kahirap, so thankful kami,” added Dela Cruz. “Mahirap rin yung transition ko from the PBA kasi itong liga na ito (MPBL), laban talaga.”
