Anthony Dela Cruz

Alaska’s lone contribution to the national team’s campaign to return a basketball team to the Olympics (for the first time in 36 years) in 2008 in Beijing.

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 traded to the Aces prior to Shell’s exit from the PBA before the start of the 2005-2006 season.

Dela Cruz is a typical Alaska player who can play multiple positions from point guard to power forward. He is also a typical Alaska player with his great attitude on and off the court. He is popular among fans and well-liked by fellow players. Has excellent range. He 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 suffered a second degree ankle sprain and back spasms while playing for the national team. But not to worry, according to Alaska head trainer Gus Vargas, Dela Cruz is fully recovered and ready to play.