Bono, Cruz leave UAAP, set sights on PBA

Adamson’s Ken Bono and University of the Philippines’ Marvin Cruz, two of the best performers in college basketball last year, will not be returning to their respective schools for the coming UAAP season.

Bono, the 2006 UAAP MVP, and Cruz, a member of the UAAP First Mythical Team, have both decided to forgo the final year of their eligibility in the UAAP to make themselves available for the PBA rookie draft in August.

"Marvin (Cruz) will not be returning to UP this season because he will pursue his PBA dream this year," said Charlie Dy, Cruz’s manager.

"He’s applying for the PBA draft," said a source close to Bono.

Bono was reportedly disappointed with the Marcelino-based school’s decision to cut his monthly allowance just a few weeks after powering the Falcons to their first ever Final Four appearance since the format was introduced in the league in the 90s.

"I guess Adamson didn’t need Ken anymore because they cut his allowance after the last UAAP campaign," said the same source.

Cruz, who spearheaded UPIS’ first and only title in the UAAP juniors five years back, had earlier said he would complete his five-year tour of duty with the Maroons but had a change of heart.

His reported spat with UP coach Joe Lipa could be one of the reasons he’ll turn pro this year.

Cruz has been picked as among the backcourt players of the Harbour Centre-RP team bound for the SEABA Championships Cup in Jakarta April 9-14. Bono snubbed the tryout for the same team handled by coach Junel Baculi.