CJ Perez is now becoming a regular part of San Miguel’s starting unit as a new era ushers in for the storied ball club after disbanding its famed ‘Death Five.’
The PBA’s reigning two-time scoring champion has started twice in the Beermen’s first three games in the 2021 Governors’ Cup, including their match against NorthPort where they finally entered the win column.
Such was inevitable since the team traded away star guard Alex Cabagnot after over a decade of partnership that led to a total of nine championships. But as far as the 28-year-old’s concerned, his role is still the same.
“Actually, wala naman nagbago sa role ko nung nawala sina Kuya Alex,” said the product of Lyceum.
“I think ‘yun pa rin naman ‘yung ginagawa ko — effort, energy.”
That was evident on Sunday. Part of the closing unit as well, Perez tallied 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field, together with seven rebounds, an assist, and a block to help his side escape the Batang Pier, 91-88.
At present, the NCAA Season 93 Most Valuable Player has per-game averages of 11.0 markers, 7.0 boards, one dime, and a steal.
Perez has done quite nicely thus far being one of San Miguel’s new starting guards. However, he wasn’t shy to admit that filling in the hole left by Cabagnot is a task so difficult to do not just for him, but for the others as well.
“Siyempre, malaking bagay ‘yung nawala sa amin si Kuya Alex as a leader. Mahirap i-fill up ‘yung spot ni Kuya Alex,” he said.
Still, it’s all up to the remaining Beermen on how they will be able to address such, according to the former Rookie of the Year.
“But siyempre, we will try our best para matapatan yun,” said Perez.
“And siyempre, depende na rin sa effort and hard work ko paano ko gagawin ‘yun.”
