Since training and playing together for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa became really good friends.
As a matter of fact, the 27-year-old Perez and the 31-year-old Tautuaa have been in touch, texting almost every day.
And when the trade sending Perez to San Miguel was approved, Tautuaa was the first player to text him.
“Si Moala, my brother unang nag-text sa ‘kin,” gushed Perez as he, Tautuaa, Jason Perkins, and Chris Newsome won gold during the SEA Games.
“Lagi kami nag-uusap nun kahit nung wala pa yung trade.”
Safe to say, Perez can’t wait to run the floor once more with Tautuaa.
“Kahit saan kami nagkakasalubong, may na-build na kami na bond. Very excited na makalaro siya.”
Besides getting to play with his friend, Perez is itching to pick the brains of San Miguel’s veteran guards like Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, and Terrance Romeo.
Even if he cannot get the same minutes as he had with the Beermen as he had with the Dyip, the 6-foot-2 utility guard will just be glad getting to learn from some of the game’s best.
“Mga beterano yun. As a player, yun yung hinahanap mo, yung guidance ng mga kuya.
“Excited akong malaman yung mga pinagdaanan nila. Grabe na kasi yung mga experience nila,” said Perez, who has never played in the PBA playoffs.
