ANDRE Caracut and Anton Asistio made quite an impression on former PBA player and ex-Yeng Guiao protégé Celino Cruz when he finally got the chance to watch a live PBA game again after five long years.
Cruz, who played under Guiao during his stint with the Red Bull franchise, expressed his admiration for the two young guards. He believes they are in a very fortunate position, having the privilege of being mentored by one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of Asian professional basketball.
“Sila Caracut, si Asistio. Magagaling tsaka mabibilis. Alam mo naman si coach Yeng, magaling mag-develop ng players yan. The best yan,” said the 47-year-old former point guard in an interview with SPIN.ph at the Philsports Arena. He was there to witness Rain or Shine secure a 106-96 victory over TNT.
Caracut had an efficient night, contributing nine points on an impressive 4-of-6 shooting clip while also dishing out six assists. Meanwhile, Asistio had a career-defining performance, lighting up the scoreboard with six three-pointers out of seven attempts, tallying 21 points, along with three rebounds and two assists. With such standout performances, it’s no surprise that the two Rain or Shine playmakers caught Cruz’s attention.
‘Nice to be back’
For Cruz, simply being in the arena again was a nostalgic and enjoyable experience.
“It’s nice to be back. First time ko ulit manood. Na-miss ko, e. Iba pa rin talaga ang PBA,” said the former FEU playmaker, who was part of the Tamaraws’ championship-winning squad in the UAAP.
Cruz has been based in California for the past five years, having moved to the United States along with his family. He arrived in the Philippines two weeks ago and is scheduled to fly back on February 6.
During his visit, he made sure to reconnect with old friends, teammates, and coaches, which eventually led to a special reunion with the Batang Red Bull squad. Coach Yeng Guiao even welcomed his former players into his home, emphasizing the strong bond they still share even after so many years.
“Nagkita-kita kami nila coach Yeng, yung mga dating Red Bull (players). So yun, sobrang happy kasi nagkita-kita ulit. Alam mo naman na pamilya kami dito,” Cruz shared.
His PBA Journey and Most Memorable Moment
Cruz entered the PBA after being selected by TNT in the 2002 PBA Draft. However, he never suited up for the team and instead began his rookie season with Formula Shell. His career truly flourished, though, when he joined Red Bull, where he won a PBA championship during the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference.
Among all the games he played in his professional career, there’s one moment that stands out as the most unforgettable—the decisive Game 7 of the semifinals against Barangay Ginebra.
With the game hanging in the balance in the final moments, Cruz knocked down a clutch three-pointer to push Red Bull ahead, 76-75, in front of a packed crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Shortly after, import James Penny hit another crucial triple, sealing an 83-79 victory that sent the Barakos to the finals against Purefoods.
Red Bull went on to defeat the Giants in six games, securing the franchise’s third—and ultimately last—PBA championship title.
“Game 7 against Ginebra. Last minute naka-shoot ako ng three points, that’s my most memorable,” he recalled. “Tapos nag-champion pa kami.”
After his time with Red Bull, Cruz went on to play for several other teams, including Air21, Purefoods, Barangay Ginebra, Powerade, and Barako Bull before eventually retiring from professional basketball.
Despite hanging up his sneakers, his love for the game remains strong, and his recent trip back to the Philippines reminded him of the unforgettable moments he experienced on the court.
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