Oh, what could have been.
Joshua Munzon revealed that he was actually looking forward to playing alongside CJ Perez, since many expect Terrafirma to select him with the no. 1 overall pick in the virtual 2021 PBA Rookie Draft on March 14.
He told The Chasedown that it would have been a “fun lineup” to watch featuring him, the 2018 top selection, and Roosevelt Adams. Unfortunately, that can no longer happen following the Dyip’s decision to trade Perez.
The Terrafirma Realty-owned franchise sent one of the league’s rising stars to powerhouse San Miguel Beer in exchange for Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Russel Escoto, Gelo Alolino, the no. 8 pick in this year’s draft, and another pick in Season 47.
Munzon admitted he felt surprised with that move.
“I was surprised because leading up to that, I thought I might get to play with CJ and Rose.
“I thought that would be a fun lineup to see – well, you know, if they pick me. That would potentially be a fun lineup,” he said.
Munzon isn’t new to playing with Perez.
Just last year, both players were part of Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 preparing for the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which was supposed to be held in March but was postponed to May this year due to the pandemic.
And that allowed Munzon to witness how good the former World Cup campaigner really is. “CJ’s very talented. He can score anytime he wants to. He’s definitely somebody who’s definitely hard to guard,” he said.
Thus the excitement he felt about the possibility of sharing the court with him with the Dyip. But then the shocking trade took place, though Munzon said that both ball clubs simply did what they thought is best for them.
“I was surprised to see it,” the ASEAN Basketball League’s all-time steals leader said, “but at the same time … They decided what’s best for the team, and both teams were happy.”
If ever Terrafirma really chooses him with the first overall pick, and even if Perez is no longer there, Munzon said that he feels excited to be part of the organization and contribute to the best that he can.
And Adams is still there. The 2019 top pick is someone Munzon knows as well, since they fought many times before in the halfcourt game. Both of them played for the pioneering Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 in the last two years.
“I’d be very excited to walk in there,” he said.
“I think with the group of guys they have – you know, last year’s first pick Roosevelt Adams, I’ve played with him a little bit, and the guys they just traded for, and the guys that are on the team. I think I can come in, contribute, and build chemistry. And hopefully, win some games and be competitive in the league,” he continued.
“That would be a great opportunity.”
