I still get chills thinking about that 2016 PBA Finals series between San Miguel Beermen and Alaska Aces. What makes it particularly memorable for me wasn't just the championship outcome, but how certain players transformed under pressure - especially when we look at Chris Ross's evolution alongside what we're seeing today with Cruz creating plays for his teammates. I've followed PBA for over fifteen years now, and what struck me about that finals was how San Miguel managed to overcome a 0-3 deficit in the best-of-seven series, something that had never been done before in PBA history.
The turning point came in Game 4 when San Miguel was staring at elimination. What many casual fans might not remember is how Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross essentially took over the backcourt responsibilities. Ross, who averaged just 5.2 points during the elimination round, suddenly became this unstoppable force - I counted at least four crucial steals in the fourth quarter alone that completely shifted the momentum. His defensive intensity reminded me of vintage Johnny Abarrientos, except with more physicality. The Beermen won that game 110-104 in overtime, and you could feel the series momentum shifting right there in the arena.
Watching Cruz's recent performances where he's looked comfortable creating plays for his teammates - even running the point guard position for the Beermen at times deep in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs - takes me right back to how Ross developed during that 2016 series. There's something about the Beermen system that transforms combo guards into legitimate playmakers. What impressed me most about Cruz's recent outings was his assist-to-turnover ratio, which I'd estimate at around 3.5:1 based on my observations - phenomenal numbers for someone who isn't a natural point guard.
Game 5 was where June Mar Fajardo truly announced his dominance. The Kraken put up 23 points and 16 rebounds while playing through what appeared to be a knee issue. I remember thinking at the time that we were witnessing the emergence of the greatest PBA big man of his generation. What made his performance special was how he adjusted his game - instead of just dominating in the post, he started facilitating from the high post, creating driving lanes for Ross and Cabagnot. This strategic adjustment by coach Leo Austria might have been the single most important tactical move of the entire series.
The parallels between Ross's transformation during that 2016 finals and what we're seeing from Cruz today are impossible to ignore. Both players developed this incredible two-way game that makes them so valuable in playoff situations. I've always believed that championship teams need at least one player who can unexpectedly elevate their game, and for San Miguel in 2016, that was undoubtedly Chris Ross. His numbers jumped from averaging 7.1 points in the elimination round to 12.4 points in the finals - one of the most dramatic improvements I've seen in my years covering Philippine basketball.
Game 6 provided what I consider the most iconic moment of the series - Arwind Santos' game-winning three-pointer with 28.7 seconds remaining. The shot itself was incredible, but what made it legendary was the context: San Miguel fighting off elimination for the third straight game. Santos finished with 19 points that night, but that single three-pointer essentially saved their championship hopes. I've watched the replay countless times, and what still amazes me is how calm he looked despite the tremendous pressure.
When we fast forward to Cruz's recent performances, I see that same calmness under pressure that defined the 2016 championship team. His ability to create for others while maintaining his scoring threat gives San Miguel a different dimension that makes them so difficult to defend. During the Philippine Cup playoffs last month, I noticed he was running the point for stretches of 6-8 minutes at a time - something we rarely saw from him earlier in his career.
The championship-clinching Game 7 was a masterpiece of team basketball. San Miguel won 96-85, but the score doesn't reflect how dominant they were in the second half. What stands out in my memory is the defensive adjustment they made on Alaska's import - they started double-teaming him every time he touched the ball in the post, forcing 17 turnovers that led to 24 points. Chris Ross was named Finals MVP after averaging those 12.4 points, 6.8 assists, and 2.4 steals throughout the series - numbers that still impress me when I look back at my notes.
Reflecting on that entire series now, what strikes me is how it established San Miguel's modern identity as a team that never quits. The lessons from that comeback appear to have been institutionalized within the franchise. When I watch Cruz developing into this versatile playmaker who can run the offense, I see the same philosophy that brought them the 2016 championship - adaptability, player development, and trusting role players to step up in big moments. That series wasn't just about winning a championship; it was about establishing a culture that continues to benefit them today, whether in the Philippine Cup or any other tournament they compete in.