BENGALURU (India) - Jericho Cruz was thankful to see the circumstances go in his favor that ultimately paved the way for him to represent Guam once again for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Pre-Qualifiers.

“Now that we have been given another chance, we're not going to let it slip away from us."

 "The opportunity presented itself, and I'm just really, really thankful," said Cruz, who's been playing for Guam since the Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

Cruz did not bat an eye when the invitation to play came his way. He didn't want to be supporting his team in spirit, like what happened in the Qualifying Tournament for Third-Ranked Teams of the Asia Cup Qualifiers last year on August 28.

Though he was unavailable the last time, Cruz made it a point to watch his teammates, only to get crushed by the result. Not only did Guam loss to Chinese Taipei, 85-77, they lost by just enough aggregated points across the two games to be edged out for that final Asia Cup qualification spot.

Aside from the fact that it happened at their home floor at the Calvo Field House in Mangilao, to lose by way of the aggregate made it all the more heartbreaking.

Cruz could only feel for his teammates. He really wanted to see Guam make it to the Asia Cup for the first time. He really wanted to see the nation make it to that big of a stage. He really wanted to see them prove themselves that they belong.

"I was in the bubble [in the Philippines] at that time, though I watched the game. That hurt a lot, of course," lamented the shifty 1.90M (6'3") combo guard, who was one of Guam's best players in the Qualifiers with 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists.

"Imagine being just a win away from the Asia Cup. Just a win. But they fell short, unfortunately. Lost by mere points. That was too unfortunate."

Now, an opportunity for redemption is in front of Cruz and Co., one that they do not want to take for granted. The road to the Asia Cup 2025 will be an arduous one, but EJ Calvo's charges are more than ready to start the journey.

"Now that we have been given another chance, we're not going to let it slip away from us," he said. "We'll give our best and represent Guam the right way."

The squad has rendezvoused in Singapore and already buckled down to work. They will fly to Bengaluru soon for their games versus Singapore on Thursday and Hong Kong the following day at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium.

Cruz himself joined the team on Monday, barely 24 hours since playing for San Miguel Beermen - his professional club in the Philippines - and he already likes what he's seen thus far based on their first practice together.

"I actually like our chances in the two games that we'll play. That's because I've seen how focused my teammates are, and how eager they all are to win - just to get to the FIBA Asia Cup," said the eight-year pro.

Eyes will surely be on Cruz if he can replicate particularly his exploits in the Amman bubble of the Asia Cup Qualifiers, which saw him post averages of 22.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game to lead his side to a two-game romp of Hong Kong.

But he's not really after the numbers, nor the exposure. None of that. The 32-year-old is now embracing a bigger responsibility with the national team.

"Some of our veterans have already retired," said Cruz, referring to Guam hoops legend Tai Wesley, whom he played alongside with in the previous Qualifiers. "That role, I feel, is slowly being entrusted to me by Coach EJ."

"So, I'm just going to fulfill as much, and help especially my younger teammates on what to expect from the international style of play," he added.

"Hopefully, we win both of our assignments. It's always nice to go back home with wins. And of course, our people in Guam would be happy, too."

FIBA