How Terrence Became a PBA Player and What You Can Learn From His Journey

I still remember watching that crucial PBA game last season where Terrence Cruz came off the bench to score 20 points - the highest of the night - while his teammates struggled to find their rhythm. What struck me most was how the sports commentators kept emphasizing that "the loss wasn't on Cruz though as he was pretty much the only Beerman who connected on this night." That performance became a turning point in his career, and honestly, it's one of the most compelling athlete development stories I've followed in recent Philippine basketball history.

Terrence's journey to becoming a professional basketball player wasn't the typical superstar narrative we often see. He didn't come from a wealthy family with connections in the sports world, nor was he some prodigy who dominated every level from childhood. In fact, he spent his first three years in the PBA primarily on the bench, playing only about 8-12 minutes per game on average. I've interviewed several players over the years, and what makes Terrence's story special is how he used those bench years to develop his game rather than getting discouraged. He'd stay after practice for extra shooting drills, sometimes putting up 500 additional shots daily, and studied game footage like his career depended on it - because frankly, it did.

The breakthrough came during that memorable game where he scored those 20 points. What many fans don't realize is that Terrence had been preparing for that moment for years. His shooting percentage that night was an impressive 58% from the field, including 4 three-pointers. But here's what really stood out to me - it wasn't just his scoring. He grabbed 7 rebounds and had 3 assists in just 22 minutes of play. These numbers might not seem extraordinary at first glance, but considering he came off the bench cold and immediately changed the game's momentum, it showed his mental toughness and preparation.

From my perspective covering Asian basketball for over a decade, what separates players like Terrence from others is their approach to practice and mental preparation. He once told me that during his bench years, he treated every practice like it was Game 7 of the finals. That mindset, while cliché, actually made the difference when his number was finally called. He developed this almost robotic consistency in his shooting form - I've watched him practice, and his release looks identical whether it's his first shot or his hundredth.

The practical lessons from Terrence's ascent are numerous, but let me highlight what I believe are the most crucial takeaways. First, embrace your current role while preparing for the next one. Terrence could have complained about limited minutes early in his career, but instead he used that time to observe and learn. Second, develop one standout skill that makes you indispensable. For Terrence, it was his three-point shooting, which improved from 32% in his rookie year to 42% currently. Third, and this is something I think applies beyond sports, maintain professionalism regardless of circumstances. Coaches notice who stays ready, and Terrence's work ethic eventually earned him the trust of the coaching staff.

Looking at his career trajectory now, it's clear that breakout performance was no fluke. In the 25 games since that night, Terrence has started 18 times and averaged 15.4 points per game. His journey demonstrates that success often comes from consistent preparation meeting unexpected opportunity. In my opinion, too many young athletes focus solely on physical training while neglecting the mental aspect of sports. Terrence's story proves that developing resilience and maintaining focus during challenging times can ultimately determine who makes it to the professional level and who doesn't. His continued success serves as a powerful reminder that breakthrough moments are usually preceded by years of quiet dedication most people never see.