Jericho Cruz heads to TNT; ROS nets two young guns in trade

Jericho Cruz is heading to the MVP Group, although not with NLEX and former coach Yeng Guiao. PBA Media Bureau

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Jericho Cruz is leaving Rain Or Shine.

The combo guard, who reportedly expressed his desire to be traded recently, finds himself with TNT after a swap with ROS was approved by Commissioner Willie Marcial on Thursday.

In exchange, the Elasto Painters got seldom used players Sidney Onwubere and Kris Rosales from the KaTropa. The E-Painters also got a 2018 first round choice from the KaTropa.

Cruz, however, will have to wait for two weeks before he makes his debut as a TNT player as the team will take on NLEX on Feb. 28.

But he will be a big boost for the KaTropa as they, who lost the night before to the GlobalPort Batang Pier, need to beat the streaking Road Warriors to stay alive in the quarterfinal race.

On the other hand, Onwubere, the eighth overall pick of last year's PBA Draft, and Rosales will also have to wait for quite some time before they can suit up for the E-Painters as their next game is on Feb. 23 against the Alaska Aces.

Both players, however, are expected to get extended minutes with the Welcoat franchise after only getting a short span of action with the PLDT club.

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