Cruz was born in Pasig of Metro Manila in the Philippines but would spend most of his childhood in Saipan of the Northern Mariana Islands.

He was also a member of RTU's two-time runner up squad in the National Capital Region Athletic Association where the Blue Thunder lost to Olivarez College and Colegio de Sta.

[9] On February 15, 2018, he was traded to TNT KaTropa in exchange for rookie Sidney Onwubere, Kris Rosales, and 2018 first round pick.

[15] As of the end of 2023–24 season[16] Cruz was a part of the Philippines team that won the gold medal at the 2013 Southeast Asian Games basketball tournament in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

[5] At the 2010 Micronesian Games, Cruz played for the Guam national team and won a gold medal.