For CJ Perez, seeing Ray Parks Jr.’s stellar start into his PBA career pushes him to do better as well.
Parks Jr. has definitely been a huge factor for Blackwater with per-game averages of 24.0 points, 5.75 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in 37.6 minutes to lead the Elite to a 3-1 start in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
His added push showed Saturday, as Perez exploded for 39 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals to power the Columbian Dyip to a 120-105 win over NLEX Road Warriors for their breakthrough win.
“Siyempre, inspired ka maglaro and siyempre kailangan natin makipag-compete,” said the first overall pick in the 2018 PBA Draft after the win about the second pick in the same draft.
However, Perez reiterated that his main concern is not competing with 2018’s second overall pick. All that he’s about is helping the Dyip earn wins, even if it means that he won’t be producing much most especially on scoring.
“Kung anong mabibigay natin every game, siguro okay lang naman siguro sa mga coaches. Kahit na hindi ako maka-score ng madami basta manalo kami. Yun lang naman ang gusto ko,” said the top pick out of Lyceum.
And that is why Perez left the SM Mall of Asia Arena elated as the Dyip finally earned their first win after three tries
“Sobrang saya namin kasi yung mga past games namin nabibitin kami pero ngayon medyo sumobra ata kami,” Perez quipped. “Pero yun nga, sobrang saya ng mga coaches, management na nakuha namin unang panalo.
“Yung effort din nung import namin talagang nandoon and mga teammates ko,” added the Pangasinan-born cager.
Adding to the satisfaction of Perez is that they have given import Kyle Barone a proper sendoff, as he will soon be replaced by Lester Prosper as the team’s reinforcement. Barone finished with 31 points and eight rebounds.
“Siyempre, inspired din siya maglaro alam niyang last game na niya. Binigay niya lahat ng best niya.
“Kaming mga locals, binack-up-an naman namin siya. Sinabihan na naman kami ng maaga na last game na niya and sabi niya bibigay naman niya best niya sa game na ‘to para mabigyan niya kami ng panalo,” Perez said.
