By Jan Carlo Anolin
CJ Perez’s Gilas Pilipinas stint will give the Columbian Dyip a big boost for the upcoming 45th PBA Season.
Perez, who helped Gilas Pilipinas secure a 100-70 victory against Indonesia in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers recently, is expected to lead Columbian following an impressive rookie stint last season.
Gilas Pilipinas guard and Columbian Dyip’s CJ Perez, right. (Photo from FIBA)
“Kung ano ‘yung mga nagawa ko last conference at last season, ‘yun pa rin ‘yung gagawin ko at kailangan ko ring i-sustain,” Perez said during the second PBA Media Day at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque.
Perez is eager to share the Gilas experience with his teammates and bring into the court what he has learned once the Philippine Cup kicks off on March 8.
Against Indonesia, Perez posted 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four steals.
“I hope ‘yung mga practices na pinaghirapan namin, ma-convert sa panalo.”
“Everytime na pumupunta ako sa pratice, ‘pag may sinabi akong maituturo ko, maniniwala sila sa akin,” Perez added. ‘Yun ‘yung nakuha ko sa paglalaro ko sa Gilas.”
Perez said Columbian has a better chance of climbing up the ranks since the tide in the PBA is expected to shift with the absence of San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings.
“It’s sad na may mga kapwa players na injured o nawawalan ng pag-asa,” Perez said. “‘Di naman namin ikinasaya na mawala sila pero lahat kami excited para makapaglaro sa conferences ng PBA.”
When asked about trade rumors, the 26-year-old guard declined to comment, saying he’s happy as long as he can work well and play basketball.
Last Tuesday, Columbian governor Bobby Rosales said they have no plan of letting go of the former Lyceum Pirate star, putting to rest those trade talks — for now, at least.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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