He may have not done it in the two NCAA Finals he faced San Beda, but CJ Perez has now slain two Red Lions in the PBA.
The 2018’s top pick out of Lyceum has already beaten fellow rooks Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon – a great way of avenging all the pain he suffered in the two times they faced in the Grand Old League’s big stage.
Perez defeated Bolick first when his Columbian Dyip defeated the NorthPort Batang Pier, 110-101, back in January 26. Then Mocon became the next casualty when the Dyip defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 85-82, on Wednesday.
But the 6-foot-2 guard said that he isn’t really thinking of that. For him, he’s more satisfied with the way the Dyip have been running in the 2019 Philippine Cup.
“Hindi ko naman naiisip yun.
“I’m so happy na ganoon ang tinatakbo ng sistema ng Columbian ngayon, kasi sa mga nakaraang season nila, ang sama ng nangyari. Pero ngayon, medyo maganda-ganda na ang nangyayari,” he shared.
The cager out of Pangasinan did admit that his familiarity with his opponents had played a big factor.
“Siyempre kabisado ko na kung paano siya maglaro eh, so inaabangan ko na lang siya lagi ‘pag siya ang binabantayan ko. Magandang adjustment lang,” said Perez, the Most Valuable Player of the NCAA Season 93 in 2017.
All three rookies have already impressed for their respective teams, but more eyes are on Perez as he is on a team that has yet to taste success. After nine games, he’s averaging 16.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
“Siyempre kailangan kong ipakita na hindi lang tayo pang-NCAA. Mas ipapakita ko yung effort at yung winning mentality ko sa Columbian. Feeling ko nadadala ko rin sila. Feeling ko lang. I’m so happy na ganoon.”
