Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

More than championship, Perkins happy to have confidence back


When the streamers rained from the rafters of the SMART-Araneta Coliseum last December, Jason Perkins was beaming, blessed to end his collegiate career with a championship. But at the back of his mind, he contemplated leaving the game of basketball for good.

Back in 2016, the 6-foot-3 stretch forward was only added to La Salle’s line-up two months before the season. Aside from that, he was battling through back and knee injuries all throughout the season, resulting to career-low averages of 4.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in just 12.8 minutes of action.UAAP-78-NU-vs.-DLSU-Perkins-6792 More than championship, Perkins happy to have confidence back Basketball News PBA  - philippine sports news

The young cager known as Hefty Lefty lost his smile.

“Coming out of La Salle, my confidence was really not high — obviously,” the 24-year-old shared.

And with it came a personal dilemma for the native of Shakopee, Minnesota: does he have a future in basketball?

But on one faithful January night, one phone call changed Perkins mind. On the other end of the line was San Beda officials inviting him to join the Cignal HD Hawkeyes in the PBA D-League.

“Man, it’s so crazy and ironic cause like… I did not know what God has for me.

“Ended up back inside [the court], to be back in San Beda, and I was just happy to be with a team,” the UAAP Season 76 Mythical team member recalled.

For Perkins, it was not about redemption nor trying to prove that he can still do it. His goal was simple: regain his lost confidence. And as the season progressed he was slowly able to do so, posting norms of 14.15 points, 8.23 rebounds, and 1.69 assists — including a 21-point outing in Cignal-San Beda’s championship-clinching game against Racal last Thursday.2017-PBA-Aspirants-Cup-Champion-Cignal-San-Beda-HD-Hawkeyes More than championship, Perkins happy to have confidence back Basketball News PBA  - philippine sports news

“I ended up getting a championship, I just feel blessed right now. I really appreciate my teammates because I learned so much from them and helped me grow as a player.

“Coach Boyet [Fernandez] instilled a lot of confidence in me and I appreciate that a lot. The whole team worked hard and it pushed me to work harder,” he said.

#ReadMore  Jeron Teng drops 30 as Flying V clinches playoff spot

Still, Perkins remains uncertain with what his next move is. Will he sign up with Cignal once more or will he join another team for the Foundation Cup?

This time around though, two things are certain for Perkins: he will continue to pursue his degree in La Salle and he is not entertaining thoughts of leaving the game of basketball.

“I got work then go to school. I’ll probably figure things out because, I got to be honest with you, I’m not too sure on what’s next. Maybe D-League again?,” the sure-fire lottery pick in the 2017 PBA Draft said.

“But definitely no retirement [laughs].”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

NLEX finally laid its agonizing four-game losing skid to rest by crushing the also-ran Phoenix, 104-79, to keep its quarterfinal chances alive in the...

Basketball

Ginebra booked its place in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals by putting an end to the hopes of Phoenix, 112-96, for an...

Basketball

Brandone Francis struck the dagger as Phoenix warded off Blackwater, 119-114, to finally end its winless spell and – more importantly – stay alive...

Basketball

Rain or Shine finished strongly to keep Phoenix listless, 122-107, for a quick bounce-back in the PBA Governors’ Cup, Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino...

Basketball

Japeth Aguilar submitted his best outing of the conference to date as Ginebra repelled Phoenix, 110-101, to win back-to-back games for the first time...

Basketball

Sedrick Barefield played the fireman’s role to help Blackwater put out the fiery fourth-quarter rally of Phoenix, 123-111, for back-to-back wins in the PBA...

Basketball

Composure spelled the difference down the stretch as NLEX averted disaster and overcame Phoenix, 100-95, for back-to-back wins in the PBA Season 49 Governors’...

Basketball

CJ Perez spelled the difference as San Miguel escaped Phoenix, 111-107, for a winning PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup debut on Wednesday night. The...

Advertisement