One week before the biggest collegiate game of their lives, the Lyceum Pirates tandem of CJ Perez and MJ Ayaay submitted their draft application for the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft.
Perez, a 6-foot-3 utility swingman who is just 24 years young, is expected to be in the top three of the draft together with expected entries Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and Robert Bolick.
The native of Pangasinan, who is also part of the 23 for 2023 Gilas cadets squads, is currently averaging 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.3 steals per game in his final collegiate year for Lyceum.
He was pivotal in the struggling school’s spectacular turnaround, leading Lyceum to two straight Finals appearances.
Besides being the NCAA Season 93 Seniors Basketball Most Valuable Player, Perez was also adjudged the MVP of the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup as he led the Zark’s Jawbreakers to the championship.
If Perez is a utility guard, the 6-foot-1 Ayaay is a utility forward.
Ayaay, who played for four years in Lyceum, is the Pirates’ glue guy, posting norms of 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 19 games played.
The annual rookie draft will be held on December 16.
