IT was a quick turnaround for CJay Perez. Fresh from the San Miguel Beermen absorbing a tough 97-96 loss to Barangay Ginebra, only one night passed before he had to be in the same team with Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, and Scottie Thompson, the player who scored the winning shot against them.
Before they departed for Jordan, Thompson received adulation from Ginebra fans at the airport.
"Congrats, Scottie!" or "Nice game winner!" would ring out from time to time, with Perez being within earshot. The SMB guard just smiled it off.
"Ganyan naman sa PBA. Pag panalo, celebrate ng konti tapos kalimutan na. Pag talo, learn from the lessons tapos move on na," he said.
In the game against Jordan, Thompson and Perez took turns playing the point guard position and the SMB star was one of the biggest cheerleaders for the reigning PBA Most Valuable Player when he dominated the rebounding battle in the second half.
Sponsored content:
"Nakakatuwa na yung mga ginagawa niya sa PBA, nagagawa niya rin dito. Kita naman natin na yung mga rebound na hindi niya dapat makuha, naabot niya. Puso na lang talaga yun e," said Perez.
There's a much different vibe in the team now. Quite far from where it was in the past windows.
Perez admitted that he also felt bad for Gilas during their struggles.
"Pag pinapanood ko yung mga laro tapos natatalo, syempre nakaka-down. Hindi lang naman ako yun, lahat naman ng basketball fans," he said. "Pero sinabi ko na lang sa sarili ko na pag nakaroon ako ng chance ulit, gagawin ko lahat para tulungan yung Gilas."
Playing 18 minutes off the bench, Perez had a strong outing with 11 points, three rebounds, and five assists. Although he is not a natural point guard, he had to help fill the void caused by Kiefer Ravena's absence from the squad.
Sponsored content:
"Ako naman kahit anong role, gagawin ko yung best ko," Perez said. "Pero malaking tulong yung naging experience ko nung last conference kasi nung na-injure si Chris Ross, kinailangan kong maglaro as point guard. Crucial yung experience na yung kasi nadala ko dito as Gilas."
Perez was part of the Gilas squad that saw action in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China. Now, he'll be a big part of the pool moving forward as the team prepares for 2023.
For him, the biggest difference is the confidence he's bringing into the team after picking up his first PBA championship in the last Philippine Cup.
"Ramdam kong malaki yung difference sa akin kasi mas may kumpiyansa ako. Yung mga galaw ko mas sigurado, mas buo yung loob kasi napatunayan ko na sa sarili ko na kaya kong mag-champion sa PBA," Perez shared. "Syempre stay humble pa rin tayo pero malaking bagay yung nadadala nung napakita mo sa sarili mong may napatunayan ka na." (CP)
