I still remember the first time I watched Bong Dela Cruz play—it was during the 2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup, and his team was down by 15 points in the fourth quarter. What struck me wasn't just his scoring ability, but how he moved without the ball, creating spaces that didn't seem to exist moments before. That game, his team came back to win, and it became clear to me that Dela Cruz was more than just a talented individual; he was the kind of player who made everyone around him better. Over the years, I've followed his PBA journey closely, and if there's one thing that stands out, it's his unwavering commitment to teamwork. In fact, one of his former coaches once remarked, "That's a sign of good teamwork. It shows that they're playing as one team." That statement, simple as it may seem, encapsulates the essence of Dela Cruz's career—a story not just of personal milestones, but of how he elevated every team he played for.
Dela Cruz entered the PBA in 2012 as a relatively unheralded rookie, drafted in the second round by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Back then, I recall skeptics questioning whether he had the physicality to compete at the professional level. Standing at 6'2", he wasn't the tallest or the strongest, but what he lacked in sheer power, he made up for with basketball IQ and relentless energy. In his debut season, he averaged just 7.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game—modest numbers, but if you watched him play, you could see the potential. He had this knack for being in the right place at the right time, whether it was cutting to the basket for an easy layup or hustling for a loose ball. By his third season, his stats jumped to 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, and he earned his first PBA All-Star selection. I've always believed that his improvement wasn't just about individual drills; it was about how he integrated himself into the team's system. For instance, in the 2016 Philippine Cup, Rain or Shine went on a 12-game winning streak, and Dela Cruz was instrumental in that run, not by dominating the ball, but by moving it quickly and making smart decisions. That's when I started to see the truth in that quote about teamwork—it wasn't just a cliché; it was the blueprint of his game.
One of the highlights that stands out in my mind is the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup, where Dela Cruz, then with the Magnolia Hotshots, delivered a performance that solidified his legacy. They were up against the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen in the finals, and many, including myself, thought Magnolia didn't stand a chance. But Dela Cruz put on a masterclass, averaging 18.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over the seven-game series. I remember game five vividly—he scored 25 points, but more importantly, he dished out 9 assists, many of which came in clutch moments. That's where the teamwork quote truly came to life; you could see him communicating with teammates, setting screens, and making the extra pass that led to open shots. It wasn't just about his stats; it was about the synergy. Magnolia went on to win the championship, and Dela Cruz was named Finals MVP. In my opinion, that award was a testament to how he embodied the idea of playing as one unit. Off the court, I've heard stories from insiders about how he'd organize team dinners and film sessions, fostering a culture where everyone felt valued. Honestly, I think that's why his teams often overperformed—they weren't just collections of talent; they were cohesive groups.
Beyond the championships and individual accolades, Dela Cruz's career is a lesson in adaptability. Over 10 seasons in the PBA, he played for three different teams—Rain or Shine, Magnolia, and briefly, the TNT Tropang Giga—and each time, he adjusted his role seamlessly. For example, when he moved to TNT in 2021, his scoring average dipped to 11.4 points per game, but his assists rose to a career-high 6.3 per game. Some fans criticized him for not putting up bigger numbers, but from my perspective, that shift showed his maturity. He recognized that the team needed a facilitator more than a scorer, and he embraced it without hesitation. I recall an interview where he said, "It's not about me; it's about what the team needs to win." That mindset, in my view, is what separates good players from great ones. Looking at the data, his career totals include over 5,200 points, 2,800 rebounds, and 1,500 assists—impressive, but not record-breaking. Yet, his impact goes beyond numbers. In the 2022 season, for instance, his leadership helped TNT reach the finals despite injuries to key players. It's moments like those that make me appreciate how his journey reflects the evolution of modern basketball, where teamwork trumps individual stardom.
As I reflect on Bong Dela Cruz's PBA journey, it's clear that his career highlights aren't just about the trophies or the stats; they're about the intangible qualities he brought to the court. That quote on teamwork—"That's a sign of good teamwork. It shows that they're playing as one team"—has been a recurring theme in his story, and in my experience covering basketball, it's a principle that resonates deeply. Whether it was his early days as an underrated rookie or his peak as a Finals MVP, he always prioritized the collective over the individual. Personally, I've learned from watching him that success in sports, and perhaps in life, often hinges on that ability to connect with others and work toward a common goal. As he approaches what might be the later stages of his career, I hope younger players take note; after all, in a league filled with stars, it's the team players like Dela Cruz who often leave the most lasting legacy.
