IT seems like there's no stopping CJ Perez from being the top selection in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft.
But though Columbian is unfazed from its earlier pronouncements, the 25-year-old forward knows the pressure it entails being tabbed as the number one overall pick.
"Pressure yun kasi mas malaki ang expectations ng mga tao sa iyo," he said.
Luckily for Perez, he has been in this position before, first in San Sebastian where fans affectionately called him as "Baby Beast," then in his short-lived stay in Ateneo, and eventually, a triumphant two seasons in Lyceum where he was named as the NCAA Season 93 MVP.
And he thrives being in this opportune situation.
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"Syempre mamo-motivate ka sa pressure na yun," said the overjoyed Lyceum forward. "Lakas loob akong nag-apply para sa draft at sobrang blessed lang namin lahat na makaabot sa sitwasyon na ito kaya talagang sobrang happy ko lang."
Perez, however, would like to defray the notion that he is coming as a savior of sorts, especially for the lowly Dyip which only collected six wins this past season.
"Gusto ko lang mai-contribute yung effort at dedication sa laro para manalo. Kung sino man ang makakuha sa akin, yung winning attitude talaga yung dadalhin ko," he said.
For now, Perez is just happy that his lifelong dreams are finally coming true.
"Pinangarap ko ito simula pa nung bata ako kaya sobrang excited ako na makarating kahit saang team sa PBA." (RL)
