PBA: Phoenix dedicates win vs NorthPort to JC Cullar as dad passes

Even at a time of mourning following his father's passing, JC Cullar still played for Phoenix against NorthPort. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--There was another case of a player needing to leave the PhilSports Arena in Pasig quickly after his team's win in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Phoenix guard JC Cullar had to take an immediate exit following the victory against NorthPort, this time rushing to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay to take a quick flight to Rome following the passing of his father.

"Condolences to the family of JC Cullar. His dad passed away yesterday (Tuesday), so let's just give a prayer for the Cullar family," Fuel Masters coach Jamike Jarin confirmed the development after their win.

Despite reeling from the loss of his father, Cullar still decided to play, delivering solid numbers of four points and four assists in seven and a half minutes of action off the bench.

"He played tonight, and we dedicate the win to him, to his family, and to the soul of his father, so if you have time, please put some prayers to the Cullar Family," Jarin continued.

With Phoenix already out of the running in the quarterfinal hunt, the team could have just given the former Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards star the needed time off to be in Rome earlier, but Jarin said Cullar still wanted to play.

"We feel for the family, so it's hard. Being a professional, he wanted to be with his family, but he said he wanted to be with his family also here. And I'm sure his dad wanted him to play, so he played. You have to give a shoutout to him, but that's hard. Our hearts go out to the Cullar Family," Jarin further said.

He then shared what the conversation was like regarding the Wednesday night setup, saying, "The first thing I told him was to be with his family."

"I said, 'Go and get the fastest flight to be with your family,' and he said, 'I have an obligation to my Phoenix family also here.' And he said, 'My dad would love to see me play.' So he got the earliest flight after our game."

Jarin, a former NCAA champion coach at San Beda, then lauded Cullar, who was part of alma mater College of St. Benilde's coaching staff last season, saying, "I just salute him for that. If I were in his position, I wouldn't even be able to move, siguro. You have to give a lot of credit and heart to JC."

Jason Perkins also commended Cullar for still playing even if he had to be at NAIA as soon as possible.

"It's really hard to play after that happens with your family. He has a flight at 2 a.m. [Thursday], but he still had the strength to come out and play. And he played well tonight. JC hasn't been anything but positive and strong, and I think that really inspired and motivated us today," Perkins said.

The longtime Fuel Masters captain said that even if he already knew about his dad's death moments before training, Cullar participated in practice as if it were another day at work.

"Yesterday in practice, he wouldn't even be able to tell. He was in there getting shots before and after. He stayed positive, and he works hard. So, shoutouts to JC and prayers to his family as well," Perkins further said.

Cullar's quick exit came exactly almost two weeks after Ginebra's Scottie Thompson took a quick ride out of the venue formerly known as The ULTRA to attend to his own family matter, although it was the birth of his new offspring with wife Jinky.

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