Art Dela Cruz takes things slowly as he returns after two long years

Art Dela Cruz feels immensely blessed to have returned to the court after a long time as NorthPort made its 2022 PBA Philippine Cup debut, Thursday night.

The 30-year-old forward did not see action in the last two years due to an Achilles injury, compounded by hamstring issues — both on his left leg.

In fact, he was still with Barangay Ginebra when he last played. It was in Game Three of the 2020 Philippine Cup Finals opposite TNT, a series which the Kings finished in five games to reclaim the Perpetual trophy after 13 years.

It has really been a while that the second-generation cager himself actually said that he may no longer be remembered, especially by the fans.

“Actually nakalimutan na ako e, kaya magandang nakakabalik ako dahan-dahan,” said Dela Cruz, who became a Batang Pier last November after being traded for Sidney Onwubere.

“Kaya nandito pa rin, nagtatrabaho.”

The San Beda product was fielded by coach Pido Jarencio against Rain or Shine, albeit limited minutes which was understandable given his situation.

But he definitely made the most out of it. Dela Cruz finished with 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists in the 14 minutes and 15 seconds he played, helping NorthPort take a 94-81 victory to kick off its campaign on a high note.

The former Gilas Pilipinas member said that simply being able to get back playing is a big confidence-booster for him.

“Masaya tsaka nakakataas ng confidence na nakabalik,” he said after the game at the Ynares Center. “Matagal-tagal din. Pasalamat ako kay Coach Pido na ‘di niya ‘ko pine-pressure, and hinahayaan lang niya ko ilaro yung totoo kong laro.

“Kahit na limited minutes lang kasi pwede kasi dahan-dahan pa kong recovery. Kahit papano nakakalaro ako ng totoo kong laro.”

Still, Dela Cruz said that it will take more time before he can regain his usual form, since he’s been away for a couple of years.

“‘Di kasi biglang mababalik ‘yung laro mo from a long layoff,” he said. “Maganda maraming ka-posisyon, ‘di ako sobrang pressured na kailangan maglaro.

“May mga veterans like kuya Arwind na sina-sub ko lang. laking bagay na dinadahan-dahan talaga ako. Tsaka kinakausap ako ni Coach Pido na kaya ko ba o gusto ko ba, kaya maganda ‘yung pagbalik ko.”

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