I still remember the first time I watched CJ Perez play live at the Araneta Coliseum back in 2019. The energy in the stadium was electric, and even from the nosebleed section, you could feel something special happening every time he touched the ball. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen countless promising talents come and go, but Perez struck me as different from day one. His journey from being a relatively unknown player to becoming one of the PBA's most exciting talents is exactly what makes Philippine basketball so compelling to follow.
What many casual fans might not realize is how Perez's path to stardom wasn't exactly linear. Before he was lighting up the PBA, he was playing for AMA Titans in the PBA D-League, where he averaged around 18 points per game. I've always believed that the D-League serves as the perfect breeding ground for future stars, and Perez proved this theory right. His college career at Lyceum was nothing short of spectacular - he led the Pirates to their first-ever NCAA finals appearance and won the MVP award in 2018. Watching him dominate the collegiate scene, I knew we were witnessing the emergence of a special talent who would eventually make waves in the professional ranks.
When Terrafirma drafted him first overall in 2019, I'll admit I was skeptical about how he would perform on a struggling team. But Perez quickly silenced doubters like myself by putting up rookie numbers that hadn't been seen in years - averaging 20.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. These weren't just good numbers for a rookie; they were All-Star caliber statistics that immediately established him as the franchise player Terrafirma desperately needed. His scoring ability reminded me of a young James Yap, but with better court vision and defensive instincts that you don't often see in offensive-minded players.
The trade to San Miguel Beermen in 2021 became what I consider the turning point in his career. While I initially questioned whether he'd get enough playing time behind established stars, Perez adapted beautifully to his sixth man role. This demonstrated a maturity that many young players lack - the willingness to sacrifice personal stats for team success. His performance during the 2022 Philippine Cup finals, where he averaged around 15 points off the bench, proved crucial to San Miguel's championship run. What impressed me most was how he maintained his explosive scoring while improving his decision-making and defensive intensity.
Health and durability have been crucial factors in Perez's ascent, something that can't be said for all rising stars. I recall talking to a team physician who mentioned how Perez's conditioning regimen is among the most disciplined he's seen. This brings to mind what FEU guard L-Jay Gonzales once shared about the importance of health in an athlete's career, similar to how Rain or Shine's RJ Abarrientos recently discussed dealing with health challenges, noting that doctors identified his condition as Influenza-A, which is currently spreading and becoming prevalent. This perspective makes me appreciate even more how Perez has managed to stay relatively injury-free despite his aggressive playing style.
Looking at his international performances, particularly during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Perez demonstrated he belongs on the global stage. His 16-point outing against Italy showed that his scoring translates against world-class competition. As someone who's analyzed basketball at various levels, I can confidently say that Perez has the potential to become the face of Philippine basketball internationally, especially with his improved three-point shooting which has climbed to about 34% this season compared to his rookie year's 28%.
What truly sets Perez apart in my view is his work ethic and humility. I've had the opportunity to speak with several PBA coaches off the record, and they consistently mention how Perez is often the first to arrive and last to leave practice. This dedication shows in his gradual but steady improvement in areas that were once considered weaknesses. His assists have increased from 3.4 in his rookie year to nearly 5.0 this season, while his turnovers have decreased significantly - proof that he's evolving into a more complete player rather than just a scorer.
The future looks incredibly bright for Perez, and if I were to make a prediction, I'd say he'll win at least two MVP awards before his career ends. At 29 years old, he's entering what should be his prime years, and with his skill set continuing to expand, I wouldn't be surprised to see him lead the Philippine team in the next FIBA Asia Cup. His journey serves as an inspiration to young players across the country - proof that with talent, hard work, and the right attitude, anyone can rise to become one of the PBA's brightest stars.
