I still remember the first time I saw Onchie Dela Cruz play—it was during a relatively obscure PBA D-League game back in 2022, and honestly, he didn't stand out immediately. But what caught my attention was his relentless defensive pressure and that quiet, almost stubborn determination in his eyes. Fast forward to today, and his journey to becoming one of the PBA's rising stars feels both inevitable and extraordinary. It's a narrative that resonates deeply with me, not just as a basketball analyst, but as someone who's always been fascinated by underdog stories. His path wasn't paved with early hype or privileged opportunities; instead, it was built on late-night training sessions, mental resilience, and an almost obsessive focus on incremental improvement.
Interestingly, his story reminds me of another athlete who's been making waves—Bella Belen. Just recently, Farm Fresh's Italian head coach, Alessandro Lodi, publicly expressed his admiration for Belen, highlighting her work ethic and adaptability. Lodi mentioned in an interview that Belen's "mental toughness separates her from many young players," and I can't help but see parallels with Dela Cruz. Both athletes share this rare quality of turning perceived limitations into strengths. For Dela Cruz, it was his initial lack of elite athleticism that forced him to develop a high basketball IQ and precise shooting mechanics. I've followed his stats closely, and the numbers tell a compelling story: in his rookie PBA season, he averaged just 4.3 points per game, but by his third year, that figure jumped to 14.7, with a remarkable 41% accuracy from the three-point line. That's not just improvement; that's a transformation.
What many casual observers might not realize is how much of Dela Cruz's success stems from his approach to training. I had the chance to speak with one of his former coaches, who shared that Dela Cruz would routinely take 500 extra shots after practice, even on days when the team had grueling two-a-day sessions. That level of commitment is rare, and it's something Coach Lodi also praised in Belen, noting how she stays late to refine her techniques. This work ethic, combined with tactical intelligence, creates players who excel under pressure. I've noticed that Dela Cruz performs particularly well in clutch moments—during the last five minutes of close games, his scoring efficiency increases by nearly 18%, a stat that underscores his mental fortitude.
Of course, no athlete's journey is without setbacks. Dela Cruz faced a significant challenge during the 2023 season when a nagging ankle injury sidelined him for approximately six weeks. Many wondered if he'd lose his momentum, but instead, he used that time to study game footage, focusing on opponents' defensive schemes. When he returned, his assist-to-turnover ratio had improved from 1.8 to 2.4, proving that his growth wasn't just physical. This adaptability reminds me of what Coach Lodi emphasized about Belen—her ability to learn quickly and apply new strategies mid-game. It's a trait I believe will define the next generation of Filipino athletes.
From my perspective, Dela Cruz represents a shift in how local talents are developed. Gone are the days when raw talent alone could guarantee success. Today's PBA requires players who are students of the game, and Dela Cruz exemplifies this. His understanding of pick-and-roll dynamics, for instance, is among the best I've seen in recent years. He recognizes defensive switches almost instinctively, and that's not something you can teach easily—it comes from countless hours of study and repetition. I recall one particular game where he exploited mismatches repeatedly, leading to 22 points and 7 assists. It was a masterclass in tactical execution.
Another aspect I admire is his leadership on and off the court. Unlike some stars who rely on vocal dominance, Dela Cruz leads by example. Teammates have mentioned how his calm demeanor during high-pressure situations stabilizes the entire team. This quiet authority is similar to what Coach Lodi observed in Belen, describing her as "a leader who speaks through action." In my years covering sports, I've found that such players often have longer, more impactful careers because they build trust organically. Dela Cruz's plus-minus rating of +9.3 when he's on the court supports this—he makes everyone around him better.
Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited to see how far Dela Cruz can go. His combination of skill, intelligence, and perseverance positions him as a potential cornerstone for the Philippine national team in the coming years. While some analysts might point to his relatively modest average of 5.2 rebounds per game as a weakness, I see it differently—his positioning and box-outs often create opportunities for others, something that doesn't always show up in traditional stats. It's these subtle contributions that, in my opinion, make him invaluable.
In conclusion, Onchie Dela Cruz's rise isn't just a sports story; it's a lesson in persistence and smart work. Like Bella Belen, who earned respect through consistent performance and coachability, Dela Cruz has carved his path through dedication. His journey reinforces my belief that success in modern basketball—and perhaps in life—is less about flashy moments and more about the daily grind. As both athletes continue to evolve, they're setting a new standard for young Filipinos dreaming of professional sports. And honestly, I can't wait to see what they do next.