Calvin Abueva only had good things to say about rookie CJ Perez following their first-ever encounter on Wednesday evening. when the Phoenix Fuel Masters went head-to-head with the promising Columbian Dyip.
Their clash was highly-anticipated, since Perez was baptized as the “Baby Beast” during his time with the San Sebastian Stags for drawing comparisons to Abueva, himself the original ‘Beast’.
Abueva and the Fuel Masters eventually conquered the Dyip, 108-98. But the Phoenix star rained praises on the Lyceum product.
“Okay naman ang pinakita niya as a player. Noong last game nila, twenty-six points, career-high niya in the first game, tapos ngayon ten points,” said Abueva, as Perez made 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.
“Parang sa akin, kung pagbabasehan, malaking agwat eh.
“Malaking agwat, pero sa akin, parang veteran,” added Abueva, who finished with 16 markers, nine boards, three assists, and three steals in over 22 minutes.
Abueva agreed that he’s seen some similarities between him and Perez as far as playing is concerned. But he hopes that his fellow NCAA Most Valuable Player will continue to strive for more and find his next level.
“Actually, noong college nakikita ko. Pero ‘wag siyang masyadong guaranteed sa mga nilalaro niya ngayon. Dapat, i-force niya pa, i-push niya pa, para mas mag high level pa yung galawan niya sa loob,” said the 30-year-old forward, who won Rookie of the Year honors back in 2013.
“Kasi rookie pa lang eh, rookie pa lang. Siyempre marami tayong naiisip about sa rookie. Pero improve mo muna ang sarili mo sa pro, bago ka mag-high level.”
Now, will their be any rivalry of sorts between them?
“Walang personalan. Ang sa amin, sabi ko nga, improve mo pa ang sarili mo, sa laro mo,” said Abueva. “Hindi ko naman masa-suggest na ganito gawin mo, ganito gawin mo. Hindi naman ganoon, hindi naman kami magka-teammate.
“Magkalaban kami sa court, pero ang akin lang, sa labas, kapatid ang turing ko sa kanya, walang personalan sa akin.”
