CJ Perez had an unforgettable campaign last season.
After a long absence, the versatile forward made sure that the Lyceum Pirates’ wait was worth it, leading the Pirates to an unblemished 18-0 regular season record during the NCAA Season 93 Seniors Basketball Tournament.
With norms of 19.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals, he was adjudged as the Season Most Valuable Player — becoming the first local to win the honor since Scottie Thompson back in the 90th season of the league.
Though he was unable to lead Lyceum to the promised land in the NCAA, Perez made sure to give honor to the school by powering the Pirates to the top of the semi-pro ranks during the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup. Once again, he was named as the best player of the tournament with averages of 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
Still, Perez was not satisfied, as he knows that they will have huge targets on their backs come the NCAA season.
That is why the management of Lyceum of the Philippines University decided to send him and MJ Ayaay to a two-week camp in Portland, Oregon called the Super Handles camp.
Never settle, always improve.
“Focus nung camp is dribbling and shooting tapos explosiveness kung panu yung tamang pag-finish ng lay-ups and jumpshots,” disclosed Perez. “Yung technique kung panu mapabilis yung dribble. Kahit na wala ka sa puwesto, kailangan maayos yung landing.
“Importante pala siya lalo na sa system namin. Importante talaga yung dribbling mas lalo na ‘pag na-scout ka na nung team. Minsan kasi hinahayaan ka na lang nila mag-jumpshot kasi ready na sila ‘pag sumaksak kami. Ngayon, may bago na kaming weapons.”
Besides the skills training, the experience itself was an unforgettable one for the Pangasinan native. Used to the tropical climate of the Philippines, playing under the cold in Portland, Oregon was in itself a challenge, quipped Perez.
“Sa States, sobrang lamig. Mahirap mag-training sa lamig tapos one minute lang yung breaks namin or minsan thirty seconds lang. Nung una, nag-adjust talaga kami pero nung tumagal na okay na,” he recalled.
Perez also hopes that next season’s seniors Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino will get to join the camp as well. Moreover, he is grateful to Lyceum for giving him and their skipper this opportunity, vowing to “defend the perimeter” for their final collegiate season.
After completing their mission of taking over in Season 93, CJ Perez and the Pirates are ready to defend.
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It’s game time. You’re pumped up and ready to play. You’ve practiced. You’ve mastered. You’re ready to shine.
You have the skills, so why not have a uniform that looks just as good as you play?
