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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}{{short description|Filipino-American basketball player}}
{{BLP sources|date=June 2015}}
{{Philippine name|Davis|dela Cruz}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
{{Infobox basketball biography
| image =
| name = Tony dela Cruz
| image_size =
| image =
| number =
| image_size =
| number =
| position =
| league =
| position = [[Assistant coach]]
| team =
| league = [[Philippine Basketball Association|PBA]]
| nationality = Filipino / American
| team = Alaska Aces
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1978|8|24|mf=y}}
| nationality = Filipino / American
| birth_place = [[West Covina, California]], U.S.
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1978|8|24|mf=y}}
| height_ft = 6
| birth_place = [[West Covina, California]]
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 5
| height_in = 5
| weight_lbs = 209
| high_school = [[Carson High School (Carson, California)|Carson]] ([[Carson, California]])
| weight_lbs = 209
| college = [[UC Irvine Anteaters men's basketball|UC Irvine]] (1996–1998)
| high_school =
| draft_year_pba = 1999
| college = [[UC Irvine Anteaters men's basketball|UC Irvine]] (1996–1998)
| draft_pba = Direct Hire
| draft_year_pba = 1999
| draft_team_pba = [[Shell Turbo Chargers|Shell Velocity]]
| draft_pba = Direct Hire
| career_start = 1999
| draft_team_pba = [[Shell Turbo Chargers|Shell Velocity]]
| career_start = 1999
| career_end = 2017
| career_position = [[Small forward]] / [[power forward]]
| career_end = 2017
| coach_start = 2017
| career_position = [[Small forward]] / [[Power forward (basketball)|Power forward]]
| coach_start = 2017
| coach_end = 2021
| coach_end =
| years1 = 1999–2005
| years1 = 1999–2005
| team1 = [[Shell Turbo Chargers|Shell Velocity / Shell Turbo Chargers]]
| team1 = [[Shell Turbo Chargers|Shell Velocity / Shell Turbo Chargers]]
| years2 = 2005–2017
| years2 = 2005–2017
| team2 = [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]]
| team2 = [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]]
| cyears1 = 2017–present
| cyears1 = 2017–2021
| cteam1 = [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] (Assistant)
| cteam1 = Alaska Aces (Assistant)
| highlights = * 3× [[List of Philippine Basketball Association champions|PBA champion]] ([[2007 PBA Fiesta Conference|2007 Fiesta]], [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference|2010 Fiesta]], [[2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2013 Commissioner's]])
| highlights =
* 3× [[List of Philippine Basketball Association champions|PBA champion]] ([[2007 PBA Fiesta Conference|2007 Fiesta]], [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference|2010 Fiesta]], [[2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2013 Commissioner's]])
* [[Philippine Basketball Association Mythical Team|PBA Mythical Second Team]] ({{pbay|2004|end}})
* [[Philippine Basketball Association Mythical Team|PBA Mythical Second Team]] ({{pbay|2004|end}})
* PBA Shooting Stars champion ({{pbay|2005|end}})
* PBA Shooting Stars champion ({{pbay|2005|end}})
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* 4x [[Philippine Basketball Association All-Star Game|PBA All-Star]] (2004–[[2007 PBA All-Star Weekend|2007]])
* 4x [[Philippine Basketball Association All-Star Game|PBA All-Star]] (2004–[[2007 PBA All-Star Weekend|2007]])
}}
}}
'''Anthony Bryan B. "Tony" dela Cruz''' (born August 24, 1978) is a Filipino-American former professional basketball player. He is an assistant coach for the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] of the [[Philippine Basketball Association]] (PBA).<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20061127-34898/Aces_sustain_charge%3B_Phone_Pals_triumph Aces sustain charge; Phone Pals triumph]</ref>


'''Anthony Bryan Davis dela Cruz''' (born August 24, 1978) is a Filipino-American former professional basketball player and coach. He played majority of his career for the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] of the [[Philippine Basketball Association]] (PBA), where he also served as an assistant coach after his playing career. He is also a former member of the [[Philippines men's national basketball team|RP National Basketball Team]].
Born in [[West Covina, California]], Dela Cruz is a Fil-American who had a stint in the US NCAA and was named as Shell’s direct hire recruit in 1999. He became a legitimate PBA All-Star player with the [[Shell Turbo Chargers]] and was dealt to the Aces prior to Shell's exit from the PBA before the start of the [[2005–06 PBA season|2005-2006 season]]. Following the retirement of former player and now assistant coach [[Jeffrey Cariaso]], dela Cruz was named Alaska's team captain of this team since 2010.


Born in [[West Covina, California]], Dela Cruz had a stint in the US NCAA and was named as Shell's direct hire recruit in 1999. He became a legitimate PBA All-Star player with the [[Shell Turbo Chargers]] and was dealt to the Aces prior to Shell's exit from the PBA before the start of the [[2005–06 PBA season|2005–2006 season]]. Following the retirement of former player and now [[Blackwater Bossing]] head coach [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] in 2010, dela Cruz was named Alaska's team captain.
He can play multiple positions and is popular among fans and well liked by fellow players. Dela Cruz can put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket when needed but prefers to catch and shoot from midrange, from about 10 to 15 feet. He is also a former member of the [[Philippines men's national basketball team|RP National Basketball Team]].


==PBA career statistics==
== Early life and career ==
Dela Cruz was born in [[West Covina, California]], as the middle child of the family with an older sister and a younger sister.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2021 |title=Ep. 13: Tony Dela Cruz: Filipino American Pro Basketball Player Turned Coach by Partially Pinoy |url=https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/partially-pinoy/episodes/Ep--13-Tony-Dela-Cruz-Filipino-American-Pro-Basketball-Player-Turned-Coach-e14fpht/a-a64vdf5 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Spotify for Podcasters |language=en}}</ref> His Filipino father was an accountant while his American mother is a former bank analyst.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Henson |first=Joaquin M. |date=July 20, 2005 |title=Families come together |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2005/07/20/287305/families-come-together |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Henson |first=Joaquin M. |date=August 4, 2005 |title=Good news for Tony |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2005/08/04/289757/good-news-tony |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> He grew up in [[Carson, California|Carson]], and learned basketball at [[Carson High School (Carson, California)|Carson High]], then played two years at [[University of California, Irvine|UC Irvine]]. In his final season with the [[UC Irvine Anteaters men's basketball|UC Irvine Anteaters]], he didn't score a point and was only able to attempt one field goal.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Reyes |first=Marc Anthony |date=January 13, 2000 |title=Little-known Carmona gets P1.6 million offer from Beermen |pages=B12 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9oc1AAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz+%22anteaters%22&pg=PA32 |access-date=December 29, 2023}}</ref>

== Professional career ==

=== Shell Velocity / Shell Turbo Chargers ===
Dela Cruz joined the [[1999 PBA draft|1999 PBA Draft]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Pamintuan |first=Carlo |date=May 19, 2021 |title=Why Tony Dela Cruz is vocal about the depression that nearly ended his life |url=https://www.espn.ph/basketball/pba/story/_/id/26966833/why-tony-dela-cruz-vocal-depression-nearly-ended-life |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On December 30, 1999, he was chosen as the [[Shell Turbo Chargers]]' Fil-Am direct hire.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2020 |title='99 season: Paras' renaissance period |url=https://pba.ph/news/99-season-paras-renaissance-period |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=pba.ph |language=en}}</ref> He signed a three-year deal with the team.<ref name=":10" /> In a [[2001 PBA Governors' Cup|2001 Governors' Cup]] game against the [[Pop Cola Panthers]], he scored seven of his nine points in the fourth quarter and made a clutch steal off [[Johnny Abarrientos]] to seal the win.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mallum |first=Noel |date=October 6, 2001 |title=Turbo Chargers halt Panthers' win streak |pages=A12 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jZQVAAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA12 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref>

Dela Cruz gradually increased his scoring in his early seasons, from 6.2 points in 2002, to 14.5 points per game in 2003. During the [[2003 PBA All-Filipino Cup|2003 All-Filipino Cup]], he scored a career-high 32 points in a loss to the [[Batang Red Bull Thunder]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vidal |first=Reuel |date=May 22, 2003 |title=Red Bull's win infuses life into Gins' bid |pages=A8 |work=[[Manila Standard]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7akVAAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA10 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> Although they didn't make the playoffs for the conference, he was given a two-year contract worth at least 6.5 million.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2003 |title=Ginebra Catch Last Bus to Quarters |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/232251 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Navarro |first=June |date=February 2, 2003 |title=Only 9 PBA vets get pay increase |pages=A19 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K1U1AAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA19 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> In 2004, Dela Cruz scored a season-high 28 points in a win over Red Bull.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Villar |first=Joey |date=April 25, 2004 |title=De la Cruz powers Shell vs Red Bull |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2004/04/25/247528/de-la-cruz-powers-shell-vs-red-bull |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> He also added seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals to his totals in that win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2004 |title=PBA Fiesta Conference: Red Bull ginulat ng Shell Velocity |url=https://www.philstar.com/palaro/2004/04/25/247632/pba-fiesta-conference-red-bull-ginulat-ng-shell-velocity |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> He also got to play in his first All-Star game as a replacement for [[Jeffrey Cariaso]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 9, 2004 |title=All-Star cast shows changing of the guards |pages=A26 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PFo1AAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA27 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref>

In the [[2004–05 PBA Philippine Cup|2004–05 Philippine Cup]], Dela Cruz scored 24 points in a win over the [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2004 |title=Shell Keep Realtors Winless; Red Bull Whip Purefoods |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/256708 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> That was their second win of the conference, the team's first winning streak since the [[2002 PBA Governors' Cup|2002 Governors' Cup]] and it also gave them a 2–1 start to the conference. In that conference, he averaged 18.5 points, won four Player of the Week awards and nearly led Shell to the finals before they were swept by the [[Talk 'N Text Phone Pals]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Navarro |first=June |date=February 26, 2005 |title=Shell hands Dela Cruz P15-M deal |pages=A29 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TVc1AAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA29 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> At the end of the conference, he was given a three-and-a-half-year contract worth P15 million. During the [[2005 PBA Fiesta Conference|2005 Fiesta Conference]], he, along with 20 other Fil-Ams, were suspended for failure to submit authenticated documents.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Villar |first1=Joey |last2=Beltran |first2=Nelson |date=May 7, 2005 |title=PBA suspends 20 Fil-foreigners |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2005/05/07/276568/pba-suspends-20-fil-foreigners |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> He was able to return to the team during the playoffs, with his team in the ninth seed. In Game 2 of their wildcard series against fourth seed Sta Lucia, he missed two free throws with 7.5 seconds remaining, but made up for it on defense by pressuring [[Boyet Fernandez]] and Shell completed the upset.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Villar |first1=Joey |last2=Beltran |first2=Nelson |date=June 13, 2005 |title=Never-say-die Shell ousts Sta. Lucia |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2005/06/13/281401/never-say-die-shell-ousts-sta-lucia |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> At the end of the season, he was included on the [[PBA Mythical Team|Mythical Second Team]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Orellana |first=Joey |date=July 9, 2005 |title=Menk named PBA's MVP |pages=B8 |work=[[The Manila Times]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yrljAAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA16 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> He was also in the running for the [[PBA Most Improved Player Award|Most Improved Player Award]], but lost to [[Enrico Villanueva]].<ref name=":3" />

=== Alaska Aces ===

==== 2005–2007 ====
On August 3, 2005, Dela Cruz was traded to the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] along with [[Rich Alvarez]] for Rob Duat and Eugene Tejada, as Shell took a leave of absence from the league.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Villar |first1=Joey |last2=Beltran |first2=Nelson |date=August 3, 2005 |title=Shell takes leave of absence |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2005/08/03/289576/shell-takes-leave-absence |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> Management wanted to trade for him due to his versatility in their system.<ref name=":1" /> In a [[2005–06 PBA Fiesta Conference|2005–06 Fiesta Conference]] game against Red Bull, he made a game-tying three pointer with 4.2 seconds remaining, but then Red Bull import Quemont Greer split his free throws, and that was enough for Alaska to lose the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2005 |title=Red Bull bumangon |url=https://qa.philstar.com/palaro/2005/10/10/301114/red-bull-bumangon |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> He then had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds in a win over the [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Navarro |first=June |date=October 20, 2005 |title=Aces up with Tee, crush Kings by 30 |pages=A20 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=waU1AAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA20 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> In a [[2006–07 PBA Philippine Cup|2006–07 Philippine Cup]] win over Ginebra, he made clutch free throws that sealed Alaska into fourth place in the standings with a record of 9–7.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basa-Castillo |first=Grace |date=May 25, 2006 |title=Air21 in Big Win Against San Miguel |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/285245 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> For the [[2005–06 PBA season|2005–06 season]], he was awarded the [[Samboy Lim PBA Sportsmanship Award|PBA's Sportsmanship Award]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2018 |title=Itch to play still there, but teaching young Aces tops Tony's priorities |url=https://pba.ph/news/itch-to-play-still-there-but-teaching-young-aces-tops-tony-s-priorities |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=pba.ph |language=en}}</ref>

In a [[2006–07 PBA Philippine Cup|2006–07 Philippine Cup]] win over Red Bull, Dela Cruz scored 18 points to lead Alaska.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castillo |first=Musong R. |date=November 27, 2006 |title=Aces sustain charge; Phone Pals triumph - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20061127-34898/Aces_sustain_charge;_Phone_Pals_triumph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320190539/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20061127-34898/Aces_sustain_charge;_Phone_Pals_triumph |archive-date=March 20, 2014 |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Inquirer.net}}</ref> He then scored 20 points in a win over the [[Welcoat Dragons]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Castillo |first=Musong R. |date=December 21, 2006 |title=Kings collar semis ticket |pages=A18 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_FY1AAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA18 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> Against the [[Coca-Cola Tigers]], he scored 12 points, but missed a floater in overtime and Coca-Cola's [[Denok Miranda|Dennis Miranda]] made the game-winning three-pointer, which also gave Alaska an 8–11 record.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Castillo |first=Musong R. |date=January 6, 2007 |title=Miranda breathes life into Coca-Cola's bid |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qlk1AAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA16 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> For the [[2007 PBA Fiesta Conference|2007 Fiesta Conference]], he wasn't able to compete with the team due to being called up for national team duty.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bartholomew |first=Rafe |title=Pacific rims : beermen ballin' in flip-flops and the Philippines' unlikely love affair with basketball |publisher=New American Library |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-451-22999-1 |location=New York |pages=118 |oclc=462903288}}</ref> Despite his absence, Alaska was able to win the championship.

==== 2007–2010 ====
Dela Cruz started the [[2007–08 PBA Philippine Cup|2007–08 Philippine Cup]] with 13 points in a loss to Talk 'N Text.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basa-Castillo |first=Grace |date=October 18, 2007 |title=Talk 'N Text Make a Statement in Win Over Alaska: PBA |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/304703 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> A month later, he scored 16 points in a win over Welcoat.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Castillo |first=Musong R. |date=November 25, 2007 |title=Aces vent ire on Dragons |pages=A19 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3lI1AAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz&pg=PA21 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> He then scored a season-high 31 points in a loss to Red Bull.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Calapre |first=Frank C. |date=February 16, 2008 |title=Red Bull settles for third place |pages=A8 |work=[[The Manila Times]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B05aAAAAIBAJ&dq=tony+dela+cruz+%2231+points%22&pg=PA8 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref>

During a [[2008–09 PBA Philippine Cup|2008–09 Philippine Cup]] win over the [[San Miguel Beermen]], Dela Cruz scored 15 points.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2008 |title='King' Solomon powers Elasto Painters past Express |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/10/05/08/king-solomon-powers-elasto-painters-past-express |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=news.abs-cbn.com}}</ref> In a win over the Air21 Express, he scored 15 points as they secured the first seed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 20, 2008 |title=Coca-Cola beats Red Bull, 88-66 |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/19/08/coca-cola-beats-red-bull-88-66 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=news.abs-cbn.com}}</ref> They reached the [[2008–09 PBA Philippine Cup finals|finals]] in that conference, and in Game 1, he contributed 14 points as Alaska won first.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2009 |title=Alaska routs Talk 'N Text in Game One |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/01/28/09/alaska-routs-talk-n-text-game-one |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=news.abs-cbn.com}}</ref> However, they would go on to lose the series in seven games.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Villar |first1=Joey |last2=Beltran |first2=Nelson |date=February 12, 2009 |title=It's Talk N Text loud and clear |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2009/02/12/439299/its-talk-n-text-loud-and-clear |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> In the [[2009 PBA Fiesta Conference|2009 Fiesta Conference]], he scored a season-high 20 points in an Alaska win over the [[Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2009 |title=Cone gets 602nd career win as Alaska downs Purefoods |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/03/15/09/cone-gets-602nd-career-win-alaska-downs-purefoods |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=news.abs-cbn.com}}</ref> The win was also [[Tim Cone|Tim Cone's]] 602nd career win, which made him the all-time winningest coach in PBA history.

In a win over Purefoods, Dela Cruz scored eight of his 12 points in the clutch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castillo |first=Grace |date=November 24, 2009 |title=Aces pound Purefoods into submission |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/330375 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> In a semifinal game against Ginebra during the [[2009–10 PBA Philippine Cup|2009–10 Philippine Cup]], he had a double-double of 16 rebounds and 14 points.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Villar |first1=Joey |last2=Beltran |first2=Nelson |date=February 13, 2010 |title=Aces lead Kings, 2-0; Giants win |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2010/02/13/548905/aces-lead-kings-2-0-giants-win |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> From there, they made it to the [[2009–10 PBA Philippine Cup finals|finals]], they were swept by Purefoods.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Velasco |first=Bill |date=September 28, 2010 |title=Alaska Aces 25 years: Above All, Doing Things Right |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2010/09/28/615714/alaska-aces-25-years-above-all-doing-things-right |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> For the [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference|2010 Fiesta Conference]], they were motivated to win Alaska its 13th title, as the father of team owner [[Wilfred Steven Uytengsu|Wilfred Steven Uytengsu Jr.]] had passed away, and team captain [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] was set to retire at the end of the season. In the playoffs, they fought off Ginebra in the quarterfinals, 3–2, and Talk ‘N Text in the semis, 4–3, to get back into the [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference finals|finals]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last1=Sabalo |first1=Wenilyn |last2=Lopez |first2=Herty B. |date=August 19, 2010 |title=Alaska Aces eye All-Filipino title |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/alaska-aces-eye-all-filipino-title |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}</ref> For Game 6, he was diagnosed with sore eyes and couldn't play.<ref name=":5" /> Despite his absence, the team was still able to win the title over San Miguel. At the end of the season, he took over the role of team captain.<ref name=":6" />

==== 2010–2013 ====
During the [[2011–12 PBA Philippine Cup|2011–12 Philippine Cup]], Dela Cruz had his best scoring game in the last four seasons with 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field along with eight rebounds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2011 |title=Alaska deals Powerade 4th straight loss {{!}} InterAKTV |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/alaska-deals-powerade-4th-straight-loss |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202172900/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/alaska-deals-powerade-4th-straight-loss |archive-date=December 2, 2011 |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=Interaktv}}</ref> That season, he suffered a [[Spinal disc herniation|slipped disc]] injury, which put him out of action until the [[2012 PBA Governors' Cup|2012 Governors' Cup]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Belen |first=Reynaldo |date=March 15, 2012 |title=While recovering from injury, Alaska's Dela Cruz moonlights as Cebuana assistant coach {{!}} InterAKTV |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/while-recovering-from-injury-alaskas-dela-cruz-moonlights-as-cebuana-assistant-coach |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508195945/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/while-recovering-from-injury-alaskas-dela-cruz-moonlights-as-cebuana-assistant-coach |archive-date=May 8, 2013 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Interaktv}}</ref>

In a Game 1 win of their [[2012–13 PBA Philippine Cup|2012–13 Philippine Cup]] quarterfinals against the [[Meralco Bolts]], Dela Cruz contributed 13 points as he stepped up for Abueva, who had been ejected from the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lagunzad |first=Chris |date=December 13, 2012 |title=Aces, E-Painters take 1-0 edge |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/nba--aces--e-painters-take-1-0-edge-032047368.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-SG}}</ref> In the [[2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2013 Commissioner's Cup]], they beat the [[San Mig Coffee Mixers]] 3–1 in the semis.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2013 |title=San Mig stands ground against Alaska in war of attrition to reach Final Four |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/san-mig-stands-ground-against-alaska-in-war-of-attrition-to-reach-final-four |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}</ref> They went on to sweep Ginebra 3–0 to win Alaska its 14th title.<ref name=":2" /> In their [[2013 PBA Governors' Cup|2013 Governors' Cup]] quarterfinals series against the Coffee Mixers, he had more fouls than points, yet Alaska was able to extend the series to a do-or-die game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PAMINTUAN |first=CARLO |date=September 25, 2013 |title=PBA: Casio connects for 21 as Alaska forces do-or-die against San Mig Coffee |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/328153/pba-casio-connects-for-21-as-alaska-forces-do-or-die-against-san-mig-coffee/story/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref> San Mig eliminated them the following game.<ref name=":7" />

==== 2013–2017 ====
In the [[2014–15 PBA Philippine Cup|2014–15 Philippine Cup]], Alaska reached the finals once again.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2015 |title=Sonny Thoss hoping history repeats itself as Alaska looks to mirror 2007 fightback against Talk 'N Text |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/sonny-thoss-alaska-game-seven-pba-philippine-cup-finals-san-miguel-beer-2007-fiesta-conference-talk-n-text |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}</ref> However, they lost to the Beermen in seven games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giongco |first=Mark |date=January 21, 2015 |title=San Miguel wins elusive Philippine Cup title, escapes Alaska in Game 7 |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/171765/san-miguel-wins-elusive-philippine-cup-title-escapes-alaska-in-game-7 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref> In a [[2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2015 Commissioner's Cup]] game against Meralco, although Dela Cruz didn't score any points, he contributed five rebounds, two blocks, two assists, and one steal in 23 minutes while also limiting Meralco import [[Andre Emmett]] to just 24 points on 7-of-24 shooting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sacamos |first=Karlo |date=June 9, 2015 |title='Selfless' Alaska captain Tony dela Cruz earns praise from Compton after pitch-in job |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/tony-dela-cruz-defense-andre-emmett-alex-compton-alaska-meralco-governors-cup |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}</ref>

During the [[2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup finals|2015–16 Philippine Cup finals]], Alaska had a 3–0 lead, yet the Beermen won the next four games to deny Alaska another title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cadayona |first=Russell |date=April 22, 2016 |title=Greatest comeback sa Beermen: Kampeon sa PBA Philippine Cup |url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/palaro/2016/02/03/1549487/greatest-comeback-sa-beermen-kampeon-sa-pba-philippine-cup |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> The following conference, the [[2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2016 Commissioner's Cup]], Dela Cruz contributed eight points in Game 3 of their playoff match against the Tropang TNT to get Alaska into the semis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=INQUIRER.net |date=April 22, 2016 |title=Alaska shuts down TNT, faces Meralco in semis |url=https://pba.inquirer.net/70657/alaska-shuts-down-tnt-faces-meralco-in-semis |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref> In that series, he averaged 6.7 points in 18 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Verora Jr |first=Levi |date=April 23, 2016 |title=Dela Cruz ready for challenge against younger wing men |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/dela-cruz-ready-for-challenge-against-younger-meralco-wing-men/55739 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}</ref> From there, Alaska reached the [[2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup finals|finals]] once again, but this time were defeated by the [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]] 4–2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzales |first=J. C. |date=May 18, 2016 |title=Rain or Shine wins second PBA championship |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/rain-or-shine-wins-second-pba-championship/57107 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

In a [[2016–17 PBA Philippine Cup|2016–17 Philippine Cup]] loss to the Beermen, Dela Cruz had 15 points.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzales |first=J. C. |date=December 3, 2016 |title=Fajardo, Beermen escape gritty undermanned Alaska |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/june-mar-fajardo-beermen-escape-gritty-undermanned-alaska/73164 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}</ref> On July 22, 2017, he became the 80th player to score 5,000 points.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2018 |title=LIST: All 83 Filipino players who reached 5,000-points milestone in PBA |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/01/11/18/list-all-83-filipino-players-who-reached-5000-points-milestone-in-pba |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=news.abs-cbn.com}}</ref> At the end of the [[2016–17 PBA season|2016–17 season]], he retired.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Songalia |first=Ryan |date=September 20, 2017 |title=Alaska's Dela Cruz has played his last PBA game, Hontiveros leans towards retirement too |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/182835-alaska-dela-cruz-retire-hontiveros/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref> In his final game, a loss to Rain or Shine, he had 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, six rebounds, and one block without a single turnover.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sacamos |first=Karlo |date=September 20, 2017 |title=Ball is still life for Tony Dela Cruz as Alaska vet eyes coaching after ending 17-year PBA career |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/tony-dela-cruz-retires-after-almost-two-decade-career-looks-forward-to-commentating-coaching |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}</ref> He was never called for a technical foul in his entire career.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Dimasalang |first=Andrew |date=June 12, 2018 |title=Dela Cruz mag-iiwan ng marka sa Alaska |url=https://qa.philstar.com/pang-masa/pm-sports/2018/06/12/1823860/dela-cruz-mag-iiwan-ng-marka-sa-alaska |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> On June 11, 2018, Alaska honored him with a tribute.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" />

==Career statistics==
{{PBA player statistics legend}}
{{PBA player statistics legend}}
''Correct as of September 23, 2016''<ref>[http://www.pba-online.net/profile/Anthony-dela-Cruz/6/ Player Profile] at PBA-Online!</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anthony dela Cruz :: PBA-Online! |url=http://www.pba-online.net/profile/Anthony-dela-Cruz/6/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213172841/http://www.pba-online.net/profile/Anthony-dela-Cruz/6/ |archive-date=February 13, 2017 |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=pba-online.net}}</ref>


===Season-by-season averages===
===PBA season-by-season averages===
{{PBA player statistics start}}
{{PBA player statistics start}}
|-
|-
Line 117: Line 153:
| 662 || 24.1 || .416 || .308 || .743 || 4.3|| 1.3 || .7 || .3 || 7.4
| 662 || 24.1 || .416 || .308 || .743 || 4.3|| 1.3 || .7 || .3 || 7.4
{{end}}
{{end}}

=== College ===
<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anthony DelaCruz College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/anthony-delacruz-1.html |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Year
!Team
!<abbr>GP</abbr>
!<abbr>GS</abbr>
!<abbr>MPG</abbr>
!<abbr>FG%</abbr>
!<abbr>3P%</abbr>
!<abbr>FT%</abbr>
!<abbr>RPG</abbr>
!<abbr>APG</abbr>
!<abbr>SPG</abbr>
!<abbr>BPG</abbr>
!<abbr>PPG</abbr>
|-
|[[1996–97 UC Irvine Anteaters men's basketball team|1996–97]]
| rowspan="2" |[[UC Irvine Anteaters|UC Irvine]]
|26
|0
|'''12.1'''
|'''.286'''
|'''.429'''
|'''.143'''
|'''1.2'''
|'''.4'''
|'''.2'''
|'''.1'''
|'''.8'''
|-
|[[1997–98 UC Irvine Anteaters men's basketball team|1997–98]]
|8
|0
|
|.000
|.000
|.000
|.5
|.0
|.0
|.0
|.0
|-
| colspan="2" |Career
|34
|0
|12.1
|.286
|.000
|.578
|1.1
|.3
|.2
|.1
|.8
|}

== National team career ==
In 2004, Dela Cruz made his debut for the [[Philippines men's national basketball team|Philippine men's national team]] in the Global Hoops Summit.<ref name=":1" /> He also played for the team in that year's [[William Jones Cup|Jones Cup]].

In 2007, Dela Cruz suffered an ankle injury during the team's campaign in the [[2007 FIBA Asia Champions Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=May 23, 2007 |title=Cañaleta replaces injured Dela Cruz in RP basketball team |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/content/43562/ca-aleta-replaces-injured-dela-cruz-in-rp-basketball-team/story/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref> Due to the injury, he wasn't able to compete in the [[2007 SEABA Championship|Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) men's championship]]. He was one of the final cuts for the [[2007 FIBA Asia Championship]], but was a reserve for that team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Co |first=Chris |date=August 7, 2023 |title=Chot mahihirapang pumili ng Final 12 |url=https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/pm-sports/2023/08/07/2286703/chot-mahihirapang-pumili-ng-final-12 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=August 8, 2020 |title=What was the best team coached by Chot Reyes? It's not the 2013 Gilas team |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/best-team-coached-chot-reyes-not-2013-gilas-team/187805 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Post-playing career ==
In 2012, while recuperating from an injury, Dela Cruz became an assistant coach under Luigi Trillo for the [[Cebuana Lhuillier Gems]].<ref name=":11" /> Soon after retiring from playing, he, along with [[Eric Altamirano]], [[Danny Ildefonso]], and [[Sean Chambers]], joined Alaska's coaching staff under [[Alex Compton]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marquez |first=CJ |date=November 7, 2017 |title=PBA: Alaska adds Altamirano, Ildefonso, Dela Cruz to coaching staff |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/sports/2017/11/07/PBA-Alaska-Aces-Altamirano-Ildefonso-Dela-Cruz-coaching-staff-Alex-Compton.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228180218/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/sports/2017/11/07/PBA-Alaska-Aces-Altamirano-Ildefonso-Dela-Cruz-coaching-staff-Alex-Compton.html |archive-date=December 28, 2023 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=cnn |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Saldajeno |first=Ivan |date=December 19, 2017 |title=New era ushers in for four teams in rare PBA twinbill in San Juan |url=https://www.dugout.ph/2017/12/new-era-ushers-in-for-four-teams.html |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Dugout Philippines}}</ref> He left the coaching staff in 2021 to return to the US.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=September 29, 2021 |title=Tony Dela Cruz bids Alaska farewell as he returns to US |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tony-dela-cruz-bids-alaska-farewell-as-he-returns-to-us/220713 |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

Aside from coaching with Alaska, Dela Cruz also coached high school boys and girls. In 2016, he was one of the assistant coaches for the SLAM Rising Stars Classic, a tournament of the 24 best high school prospects in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2016 |title=3rd Annual SLAM Rising Stars Classic on ABS-CBN Sports and Action |url=https://clavelmagazine.com/2016/03/09/3rd-annual-slam-rising-stars-classic-on-abs-cbn-sports-and-action/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> The following year, he became the head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Terrado |first=Reuben |date=March 18, 2017 |title=NCAA, UAAP juniors MVPs Troy Mallillin, Juan Gomez de Liano clash in Slam Rising Stars game |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/troy-mallillin-juan-gomez-de-liano-team-punks-team-hype-slam-rising-stars-classic |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}</ref> He also coached young boys and girls through the Jr. NBA program.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=February 13, 2018 |title=10 Young Ballers Off to Manila to Represent Visayas at the Jr. NBA Philippines 2018 National Training Camp |url=https://www.psr.ph/10-young-ballers-off-manila-represent-visayas-jr-nba-philippines-2018-national-training-camp/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=PSR.ph |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=April 3, 2019 |title=Paref's Robins in Jr. NBA PHL Camp |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/parefs-robins-in-jr-nba-phl-camp |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Quadra-Balibay |first=Angie |date=August 20, 2019 |title=Jr. NBA Asia-Pacific Boys team with 3 Pinoys make history, beats Team USA in Disney World |url=https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/jr-nba-asia-pacific-boys-team-with-3-pinoys-make-history-beats-team-usa-in-disney-world/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=GoodNewsPilipinas.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2019, Dela Cruz became an analyst for [[PBA Rush]].<ref name=":2" /> He was also one of the analysts for [[TV5 (Philippine TV network)|TV5]]'s coverage of [[Basketball at the 2019 SEA Games – Men's tournament|SEA Games basketball]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saldajeno |first=Ivan Stewart |date=November 18, 2019 |title=TV5 to broadcast SEA Games basketball, esports events |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1086326 |access-date=December 28, 2019 |website=pna.gov.ph}}</ref> He also speaks in motivational seminars as a life coach.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":12" />

== Personal life ==
Dela Cruz was married to Julie Primero.<ref name=":1" /> They have three children, Maya, Marley and Mary Jane. In 2016, Primero filed a divorce lawsuit against him.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JULIE PRIMERO-DE LA CRUZ VS ANTHONY DE LA CRUZ |url=https://unicourt.com/case/ca-ora-julie-primero-de-la-cruz-vs-anthony-de-la-cruz-521063 |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=UniCourt |language=en}}</ref> He is now married to Isabella 'Belay' Fernando, who is currently the team administrator of the [[Philippines women's national football team]].<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Villanueva |first=Ralph Edwin |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Filipinas to take a breather before training sights on Asian Games |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2023/08/02/2285764/filipinas-take-breather-training-sights-asian-games |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>

Dela Cruz is open about his mental health struggles, as he suffers from stress and depression, which he has talked about in motivational seminars.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Bracher |first=Jane |date=March 15, 2016 |title=Alaska Aces vet Tony Dela Cruz admits he's battled stress, depression |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/125886-alaska-aces-tony-dela-cruz-stress-depression/ |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref> He used to self-medicate, and often drank alcohol.<ref name=":2" /> He would also entertain suicidal thoughts, and nearly ended his life in 2013. After that attempt, he opened up about his struggles and began seeing a psychiatrist.


==References==
==References==
Line 122: Line 234:


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/anthony-delacruz-1.html Tony Dela Cruz] at [[Sports Reference|College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com]]
* [http://www.pba-online.net/profile/Anthony-dela-Cruz/6/ Player Profile] at PBA-Online!
* {{Cite podcast |url=https://www.mixcloud.com/ThisFilipinoAmericanLife/episode-87-filipino-americans-in-the-pba-tfal-talks-to-former-pba-star-tony-de-la-cruz/ |title=Episode 87 – Filipino Americans in the PBA: TFAL Talks to Former PBA Star Tony De La Cruz |website=This Filipino American Life |last=Bernardo |first=Joseph |date=June 19, 2019}}
* {{Cite podcast |url=https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/partially-pinoy/episodes/Ep--13-Tony-Dela-Cruz-Filipino-American-Pro-Basketball-Player-Turned-Coach-e14fpht/a-a64vdf5 |title=Ep. 13: Tony Dela Cruz: Filipino American Pro Basketball Player Turned Coach |website=Partially Pinoy |publisher=Bridgr Media and Podcast Network Asia |last=Jerusalem |first=Leila |date=July 15, 2021}}


{{Alaska Aces current roster}}
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{{Alaska Aces}}
{{Alaska Aces 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference Champions}}
{{Alaska Aces 2007 PBA Fiesta Conference Champions}}
{{Alaska Aces 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference Champions}}
{{Alaska Aces 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference Champions}}
{{Alaska Aces 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions}}
{{Alaska Aces 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions}}
{{PBA Sportsmanship Awardees}}
{{PBA Sportsmanship Awardees}}
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[[Category:Alaska Aces (PBA) players]]
[[Category:Alaska Aces (PBA) players]]
[[Category:Philippine Basketball Association All-Stars]]
[[Category:Philippine Basketball Association All-Stars]]
[[Category:Philippine Basketball Association coaches]]
[[Category:Alaska Aces (PBA) coaches]]
[[Category:Philippines men's national basketball team players]]
[[Category:Philippines men's national basketball team players]]
[[Category:People from West Covina, California]]
[[Category:Filipino men's basketball players]]
[[Category:Power forwards (basketball)]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from West Covina, California]]
[[Category:Basketball players from Los Angeles County, California]]
[[Category:Power forwards]]
[[Category:Shell Turbo Chargers players]]
[[Category:Shell Turbo Chargers players]]
[[Category:Small forwards]]
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[[Category:UC Irvine Anteaters men's basketball players]]
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[[Category:American men's basketball players]]
[[Category:American men's basketball coaches]]
[[Category:Filipino men's basketball coaches]]
[[Category:American sportspeople of Filipino descent]]

Latest revision as of 01:40, 19 November 2024

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Davis and the surname or paternal family name is dela Cruz.
Tony dela Cruz
Personal information
Born (1978-08-24) August 24, 1978 (age 46)
West Covina, California, U.S.
NationalityFilipino / American
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight209 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High schoolCarson (Carson, California)
CollegeUC Irvine (1996–1998)
PBA draft1999: Direct Hire
Selected by the Shell Velocity
Playing career1999–2017
PositionSmall forward / power forward
Coaching career2017–2021
Career history
As player:
1999–2005Shell Velocity / Shell Turbo Chargers
2005–2017Alaska Aces
As coach:
2017–2021Alaska Aces (Assistant)
Career highlights and awards

Anthony Bryan Davis dela Cruz (born August 24, 1978) is a Filipino-American former professional basketball player and coach. He played majority of his career for the Alaska Aces of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), where he also served as an assistant coach after his playing career. He is also a former member of the RP National Basketball Team.

Born in West Covina, California, Dela Cruz had a stint in the US NCAA and was named as Shell's direct hire recruit in 1999. He became a legitimate PBA All-Star player with the Shell Turbo Chargers and was dealt to the Aces prior to Shell's exit from the PBA before the start of the 2005–2006 season. Following the retirement of former player and now Blackwater Bossing head coach Jeffrey Cariaso in 2010, dela Cruz was named Alaska's team captain.

Early life and career

[edit]

Dela Cruz was born in West Covina, California, as the middle child of the family with an older sister and a younger sister.[1] His Filipino father was an accountant while his American mother is a former bank analyst.[1][2][3] He grew up in Carson, and learned basketball at Carson High, then played two years at UC Irvine. In his final season with the UC Irvine Anteaters, he didn't score a point and was only able to attempt one field goal.[4]

Professional career

[edit]

Shell Velocity / Shell Turbo Chargers

[edit]

Dela Cruz joined the 1999 PBA Draft.[5] On December 30, 1999, he was chosen as the Shell Turbo Chargers' Fil-Am direct hire.[6] He signed a three-year deal with the team.[4] In a 2001 Governors' Cup game against the Pop Cola Panthers, he scored seven of his nine points in the fourth quarter and made a clutch steal off Johnny Abarrientos to seal the win.[7]

Dela Cruz gradually increased his scoring in his early seasons, from 6.2 points in 2002, to 14.5 points per game in 2003. During the 2003 All-Filipino Cup, he scored a career-high 32 points in a loss to the Batang Red Bull Thunder.[8] Although they didn't make the playoffs for the conference, he was given a two-year contract worth at least 6.5 million.[9][10] In 2004, Dela Cruz scored a season-high 28 points in a win over Red Bull.[11] He also added seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals to his totals in that win.[12] He also got to play in his first All-Star game as a replacement for Jeffrey Cariaso.[13]

In the 2004–05 Philippine Cup, Dela Cruz scored 24 points in a win over the Sta. Lucia Realtors.[14] That was their second win of the conference, the team's first winning streak since the 2002 Governors' Cup and it also gave them a 2–1 start to the conference. In that conference, he averaged 18.5 points, won four Player of the Week awards and nearly led Shell to the finals before they were swept by the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals.[15] At the end of the conference, he was given a three-and-a-half-year contract worth P15 million. During the 2005 Fiesta Conference, he, along with 20 other Fil-Ams, were suspended for failure to submit authenticated documents.[16] He was able to return to the team during the playoffs, with his team in the ninth seed. In Game 2 of their wildcard series against fourth seed Sta Lucia, he missed two free throws with 7.5 seconds remaining, but made up for it on defense by pressuring Boyet Fernandez and Shell completed the upset.[17] At the end of the season, he was included on the Mythical Second Team.[18] He was also in the running for the Most Improved Player Award, but lost to Enrico Villanueva.[18]

Alaska Aces

[edit]

2005–2007

[edit]

On August 3, 2005, Dela Cruz was traded to the Alaska Aces along with Rich Alvarez for Rob Duat and Eugene Tejada, as Shell took a leave of absence from the league.[19] Management wanted to trade for him due to his versatility in their system.[3] In a 2005–06 Fiesta Conference game against Red Bull, he made a game-tying three pointer with 4.2 seconds remaining, but then Red Bull import Quemont Greer split his free throws, and that was enough for Alaska to lose the game.[20] He then had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds in a win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings.[21] In a 2006–07 Philippine Cup win over Ginebra, he made clutch free throws that sealed Alaska into fourth place in the standings with a record of 9–7.[22] For the 2005–06 season, he was awarded the PBA's Sportsmanship Award.[23]

In a 2006–07 Philippine Cup win over Red Bull, Dela Cruz scored 18 points to lead Alaska.[24] He then scored 20 points in a win over the Welcoat Dragons.[25] Against the Coca-Cola Tigers, he scored 12 points, but missed a floater in overtime and Coca-Cola's Dennis Miranda made the game-winning three-pointer, which also gave Alaska an 8–11 record.[26] For the 2007 Fiesta Conference, he wasn't able to compete with the team due to being called up for national team duty.[27] Despite his absence, Alaska was able to win the championship.

2007–2010

[edit]

Dela Cruz started the 2007–08 Philippine Cup with 13 points in a loss to Talk 'N Text.[28] A month later, he scored 16 points in a win over Welcoat.[29] He then scored a season-high 31 points in a loss to Red Bull.[30]

During a 2008–09 Philippine Cup win over the San Miguel Beermen, Dela Cruz scored 15 points.[31] In a win over the Air21 Express, he scored 15 points as they secured the first seed.[32] They reached the finals in that conference, and in Game 1, he contributed 14 points as Alaska won first.[33] However, they would go on to lose the series in seven games.[34] In the 2009 Fiesta Conference, he scored a season-high 20 points in an Alaska win over the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants.[35] The win was also Tim Cone's 602nd career win, which made him the all-time winningest coach in PBA history.

In a win over Purefoods, Dela Cruz scored eight of his 12 points in the clutch.[36] In a semifinal game against Ginebra during the 2009–10 Philippine Cup, he had a double-double of 16 rebounds and 14 points.[37] From there, they made it to the finals, they were swept by Purefoods.[38] For the 2010 Fiesta Conference, they were motivated to win Alaska its 13th title, as the father of team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu Jr. had passed away, and team captain Jeffrey Cariaso was set to retire at the end of the season. In the playoffs, they fought off Ginebra in the quarterfinals, 3–2, and Talk ‘N Text in the semis, 4–3, to get back into the finals.[39] For Game 6, he was diagnosed with sore eyes and couldn't play.[38] Despite his absence, the team was still able to win the title over San Miguel. At the end of the season, he took over the role of team captain.[39]

2010–2013

[edit]

During the 2011–12 Philippine Cup, Dela Cruz had his best scoring game in the last four seasons with 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field along with eight rebounds.[40] That season, he suffered a slipped disc injury, which put him out of action until the 2012 Governors' Cup.[41]

In a Game 1 win of their 2012–13 Philippine Cup quarterfinals against the Meralco Bolts, Dela Cruz contributed 13 points as he stepped up for Abueva, who had been ejected from the game.[42] In the 2013 Commissioner's Cup, they beat the San Mig Coffee Mixers 3–1 in the semis.[43] They went on to sweep Ginebra 3–0 to win Alaska its 14th title.[5] In their 2013 Governors' Cup quarterfinals series against the Coffee Mixers, he had more fouls than points, yet Alaska was able to extend the series to a do-or-die game.[44] San Mig eliminated them the following game.[43]

2013–2017

[edit]

In the 2014–15 Philippine Cup, Alaska reached the finals once again.[45] However, they lost to the Beermen in seven games.[46] In a 2015 Commissioner's Cup game against Meralco, although Dela Cruz didn't score any points, he contributed five rebounds, two blocks, two assists, and one steal in 23 minutes while also limiting Meralco import Andre Emmett to just 24 points on 7-of-24 shooting.[47]

During the 2015–16 Philippine Cup finals, Alaska had a 3–0 lead, yet the Beermen won the next four games to deny Alaska another title.[48] The following conference, the 2016 Commissioner's Cup, Dela Cruz contributed eight points in Game 3 of their playoff match against the Tropang TNT to get Alaska into the semis.[49] In that series, he averaged 6.7 points in 18 minutes.[50] From there, Alaska reached the finals once again, but this time were defeated by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 4–2.[51]

In a 2016–17 Philippine Cup loss to the Beermen, Dela Cruz had 15 points.[52] On July 22, 2017, he became the 80th player to score 5,000 points.[53] At the end of the 2016–17 season, he retired.[54] In his final game, a loss to Rain or Shine, he had 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, six rebounds, and one block without a single turnover.[55] He was never called for a technical foul in his entire career.[56] On June 11, 2018, Alaska honored him with a tribute.[23][56]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

[57]

PBA season-by-season averages

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2000 Shell 16 17.2 .329 .200 .833 2.9 .8 .2 .3 4.0
2001 Shell 37 14.5 .374 .250 .611 2.5 .6 .4 .1 3.4
2002 Shell 32 21.3 .422 .295 .684 4.0 1.0 .6 .3 6.2
2003 Shell 35 34.3 .443 .417 .716 6.7 2.1 1.3 .3 14.5
2004–05 Shell 71 36.7 .422 .295 .734 6.1 2.6 .9 .5 16.0
2005–06 Alaska 49 29.5 .394 .167 .760 4.6 1.5 .8 .3 10.1
2006–07 Alaska 21 34.0 .444 .111 .667 7.7 2.1 .7 .5 11.8
2007–08 Alaska 47 24.5 .407 .363 .796 4.3 .8 .9 .4 8.2
2008–09 Alaska 42 29.1 .432 .403 .729 5.6 1.7 .8 .5 8.7
2009–10 Alaska 61 29.1 .440 .296 .778 5.1 1.7 .8 .4 8.2
2010–11 Alaska 41 27.0 .427 .286 .891 4.7 1.5 1.0 .6 7.8
2011–12 Alaska 19 27.9 .397 .222 .727 4.7 1.3 .6 .4 6.6
2012–13 Alaska 54 18.9 .377 .231 .894 3.4 1.0 .7 .4 3.4
2013–14 Alaska 42 14.4 .345 .250 .500 2.7 .6 .4 .1 1.6
2014–15 Alaska 52 13.0 .379 .125 .375 2.1 .7 .3 .1 1.6
2015–16 Alaska 43 9.9 .413 .316 .833 2.1 .5 .4 .1 2.4
Career 662 24.1 .416 .308 .743 4.3 1.3 .7 .3 7.4

College

[edit]

[58]

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1996–97 UC Irvine 26 0 12.1 .286 .429 .143 1.2 .4 .2 .1 .8
1997–98 8 0 .000 .000 .000 .5 .0 .0 .0 .0
Career 34 0 12.1 .286 .000 .578 1.1 .3 .2 .1 .8

National team career

[edit]

In 2004, Dela Cruz made his debut for the Philippine men's national team in the Global Hoops Summit.[3] He also played for the team in that year's Jones Cup.

In 2007, Dela Cruz suffered an ankle injury during the team's campaign in the 2007 FIBA Asia Champions Cup.[59] Due to the injury, he wasn't able to compete in the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) men's championship. He was one of the final cuts for the 2007 FIBA Asia Championship, but was a reserve for that team.[60][61]

Post-playing career

[edit]

In 2012, while recuperating from an injury, Dela Cruz became an assistant coach under Luigi Trillo for the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems.[41] Soon after retiring from playing, he, along with Eric Altamirano, Danny Ildefonso, and Sean Chambers, joined Alaska's coaching staff under Alex Compton.[62][63] He left the coaching staff in 2021 to return to the US.[64]

Aside from coaching with Alaska, Dela Cruz also coached high school boys and girls. In 2016, he was one of the assistant coaches for the SLAM Rising Stars Classic, a tournament of the 24 best high school prospects in the country.[65] The following year, he became the head coach.[66] He also coached young boys and girls through the Jr. NBA program.[67][68][69]

In 2019, Dela Cruz became an analyst for PBA Rush.[5] He was also one of the analysts for TV5's coverage of SEA Games basketball.[70] He also speaks in motivational seminars as a life coach.[71][1]

Personal life

[edit]

Dela Cruz was married to Julie Primero.[3] They have three children, Maya, Marley and Mary Jane. In 2016, Primero filed a divorce lawsuit against him.[72] He is now married to Isabella 'Belay' Fernando, who is currently the team administrator of the Philippines women's national football team.[64][73]

Dela Cruz is open about his mental health struggles, as he suffers from stress and depression, which he has talked about in motivational seminars.[71] He used to self-medicate, and often drank alcohol.[5] He would also entertain suicidal thoughts, and nearly ended his life in 2013. After that attempt, he opened up about his struggles and began seeing a psychiatrist.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Ep. 13: Tony Dela Cruz: Filipino American Pro Basketball Player Turned Coach by Partially Pinoy". Spotify for Podcasters. July 15, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  2. ^ Henson, Joaquin M. (July 20, 2005). "Families come together". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Henson, Joaquin M. (August 4, 2005). "Good news for Tony". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Reyes, Marc Anthony (January 13, 2000). "Little-known Carmona gets P1.6 million offer from Beermen". Philippine Daily Inquirer. pp. B12. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d Pamintuan, Carlo (May 19, 2021). "Why Tony Dela Cruz is vocal about the depression that nearly ended his life". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  6. ^ "'99 season: Paras' renaissance period". pba.ph. July 3, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  7. ^ Mallum, Noel (October 6, 2001). "Turbo Chargers halt Panthers' win streak". Manila Standard. pp. A12. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  8. ^ Vidal, Reuel (May 22, 2003). "Red Bull's win infuses life into Gins' bid". Manila Standard. pp. A8. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  9. ^ "Ginebra Catch Last Bus to Quarters". Arab News. May 28, 2003. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  10. ^ Navarro, June (February 2, 2003). "Only 9 PBA vets get pay increase". Philippine Daily Inquirer. pp. A19. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  11. ^ Villar, Joey (April 25, 2004). "De la Cruz powers Shell vs Red Bull". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
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  13. ^ "All-Star cast shows changing of the guards". Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 9, 2004. pp. A26. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
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  45. ^ "Sonny Thoss hoping history repeats itself as Alaska looks to mirror 2007 fightback against Talk 'N Text". Spin.ph. January 19, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
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  47. ^ Sacamos, Karlo (June 9, 2015). "'Selfless' Alaska captain Tony dela Cruz earns praise from Compton after pitch-in job". Spin.ph. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
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  50. ^ Verora Jr, Levi (April 23, 2016). "Dela Cruz ready for challenge against younger wing men". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  51. ^ Gonzales, J. C. (May 18, 2016). "Rain or Shine wins second PBA championship". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  52. ^ Gonzales, J. C. (December 3, 2016). "Fajardo, Beermen escape gritty undermanned Alaska". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  53. ^ "LIST: All 83 Filipino players who reached 5,000-points milestone in PBA". news.abs-cbn.com. January 11, 2018. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  54. ^ Songalia, Ryan (September 20, 2017). "Alaska's Dela Cruz has played his last PBA game, Hontiveros leans towards retirement too". RAPPLER. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
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  56. ^ a b Dimasalang, Andrew (June 12, 2018). "Dela Cruz mag-iiwan ng marka sa Alaska". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
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  59. ^ "Cañaleta replaces injured Dela Cruz in RP basketball team". GMA News Online. May 23, 2007. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  60. ^ Co, Chris (August 7, 2023). "Chot mahihirapang pumili ng Final 12". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  61. ^ Bacnis, Justine (August 8, 2020). "What was the best team coached by Chot Reyes? It's not the 2013 Gilas team". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  62. ^ Marquez, CJ (November 7, 2017). "PBA: Alaska adds Altamirano, Ildefonso, Dela Cruz to coaching staff". cnn. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  63. ^ Saldajeno, Ivan (December 19, 2017). "New era ushers in for four teams in rare PBA twinbill in San Juan". Dugout Philippines. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  64. ^ a b Li, Matthew (September 29, 2021). "Tony Dela Cruz bids Alaska farewell as he returns to US". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  65. ^ "3rd Annual SLAM Rising Stars Classic on ABS-CBN Sports and Action". March 9, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
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  71. ^ a b Bracher, Jane (March 15, 2016). "Alaska Aces vet Tony Dela Cruz admits he's battled stress, depression". RAPPLER. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  72. ^ "JULIE PRIMERO-DE LA CRUZ VS ANTHONY DE LA CRUZ". UniCourt. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  73. ^ Villanueva, Ralph Edwin (August 2, 2023). "Filipinas to take a breather before training sights on Asian Games". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
[edit]
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