Art dela Cruz
Arthur A. dela Cruz, Jr., also known as Art dela Cruz (born January 20, 1992) is a Filipino professional basketball player who plays for the PBA professional team Blackwater Elite.
Early life and High School career
Dela Cruz started playing basketball when he was in 4th grade at St. Mary’s Academy in Bulacan. It was his father, Art Sr, himself a former PBA player, who first introduced him to the sport. In high school he played as power forward of the San Beda Red Cubs.[1]
College career
Dela Cruz first attended college at the Ateneo de Manila University for one year. He suited up for the Blue Eagles as a rookie in 2010 and played a key role in their campaign, when the Blue Eagles won the title that year. The following year, he returned to his high school alma mater, San Beda College, served one year of residency before finally seeing action for the Red Lions in 2012.[2] Initially, he was a backup to Jake Pascual, but he took the starting "4" slot when Pascual already played out his college eligibility in 2013. In that same year, the Red Lions won their fourth straight title at the expense of Letran, when he was awarded the Finals MVP.[3] In 2015, he led the Red Lions to the Finals once again, only to lose in three games at the expense of the Letran Knights. In his last collegiate game, he finished with a team-high 15 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 13 boards and was two assists shy of a triple-double, on top of two blocks and one steal in 34 minutes in the deciding Game Three.[4]
Professional career
Dela Cruz was picked ninth overall by the Blackwater Elite of the Philippine Basketball Association in the 2015 PBA draft.[5] On October 30, 2015, he signed the two-year rookie deal with Blackwater.[6]
Personal life
Dela Cruz is the son of former PBA player and current Barako Bull assistant coach Arthur dela Cruz. He took up AB in Communications in San Beda College and his long-term plan is to help his mother with their family business in Bulacan.
References
- ↑ Carpio, Jillian (September 28, 2013). "Roaring Red Lion: Art dela Cruz". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
- ↑ Naredo, Camille B. (June 26, 2015). "San Beda's Dela Cruz reflects on time with Ateneo". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
- ↑ Flores, Celest R. (November 16, 2013). "Dela Cruz shines in MVP-worthy performance before proud dad". [Philippine Daily Inquirer]]. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
- ↑ Sacamos, Karlo (October 29, 2015). "Art dela Cruz insists he played best for San Beda: 'I didn't do anything na nag-benta o nag-relax'". Spin.ph. Retrieved October 29, 2015.
- ↑ "Moala Tautuaa goes first overall in 2015 PBA Draft". Rappler. August 23, 2015. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
- ↑ Joble, Rey (October 30, 2015). "San Beda’s Art Dela Cruz signs two-year deal with PBA club Blackwater". InterAksyon. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
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| | Fourth round |
- Keith Agovida
- Michael DiGregorio
- Jerramy King
- Ryan Wetherell
- John Ray Alabanza
- Rodel de Leon
- Joshua Cobillo
- Andretti Stevens
- Robin Rono
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| | Fifth round | |
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| | Sixth round |
- Christian Palma
- Roberto Hainga
- Edgar Tanuan, Jr.
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| | Seventh round |
- Mon Abundo
- Michael Abad
- Arvin Vitug
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