“We’re just trying to figure out which one he’s strong at, but I’m really pleased to have him. Art’s role will be very important to help us replace what Joe brings for us because they have similar skills. But we think he’s going to make a big impact on our team,” Cone said.Dela Cruz, meanwhile, knows how big is the task ahead of him and he’s grateful for the opportunity to perform.“It’s a huge task, but I’m motivated because my teammates are giving me the confidence and they’re allowing me to play my game,” he said. “I’m thankful to all of them because I have a chance to learn from this team and extend my game.”ADVERTISEMENT Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Phivolcs records 2 ‘discrete weak ash explosions’ at Taal Volcano OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set LATEST STORIES View comments This early, head coach Tim Cone is excited to deal with the good problem that the versatile Dela Cruz brings to the table. “I like Art dela Cruz so much because he’s a playmaker. I was making a joke earlier that he’s so versatile, we don’t know where to play him. We don’t know whether to play him as our point guard, or our off-guard, or our small forward, or the power forward because he can do it all,” he said.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSBrian Heruela arrival bolsters Phoenix backcourt, defenseTraded to Ginebra from Blackwater after missing the last two conference due to an Achilles injury, dela Cruz has been tirelessly working his way back to form.That effort from the 25-year-old forward is not lost on Cone. MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Art dela Cruz. Photo by Randolph B. LeongsonBad news for Ginebra as Joe Devance is out until February after finally undergoing surgery on his injured foot.But the good news is, Art dela Cruz is more than ready to step up in Devance’s absence as he makes his debut for the crowd favorites.ADVERTISEMENT Beyoncé presents Colin Kaepernick with SI’s Muhammad Ali Award Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales?