ANTIPOLO – Jason Perkins was overcome with emotions after Phoenix Super LPG’s breakthrough victory in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup Friday that he could not keep himself composed for the post-game press conference.
The 29-year-old forward was already with head coach Topex Robinson inside the media room at the Ynares Center here since he was named Player of the Game of their 97-74 win over Terrafirma, but asked if he could excuse himself.
“He’s going through a lot right now,” said the veteran mentor shortly after the exit of Perkins, who was in tears sobbing as he made his way out.
The La Salle product, later on, disclosed that he’s extremely worried about the situation of his father in the States after suffering a stroke.
“My father, before the game, he got a stroke and he is not doing too good right now,” he told reporters. “I was kind of holding my emotions into this, so I can play in the game. After the game, it kind of just hit me.”
And so, he dedicated the game to his dad, leading to a performance that saw him finish with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists without a turnover.
“I was definitely thinking of him,” he said.
“Basketball, the court is my getaway place, my safe place. I just want to enjoy winning with my team.”
Phoenix finally nailed a win after opening the season with twin defeats against San Miguel Beer and Meralco, respectively, big thanks to Perkins.
“It was definitely big. We needed it, we needed to fix our energy. We needed to have fun on the court together again. It was a big win,” he said.
Now, the entire Fuel Masters are one with their top big man in praying that everything will turn out fine for him and his family.
“We hope and pray that it will be okay,” said Robinson.
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