PBA D-League: Cignal signs Perkins

Jason Perkins in a Caida jersey. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Cignal-San Beda is beefing up its roster ahead of its debut in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

The Hawkeyes signed Jason Perkins on Monday to bolster their shallow frontline rotation.

Coach Boyet Fernandez welcomed the entry of the La Salle forward, who was the top pick of the 2015 PBA D-League Draft.

“He came back last January 12 and we were lucky he was a free agent. We’re very impressed with the way he plays even though he played sparingly with La Salle,” said the mentor.

Though Perkins is still recovering from a back injury, Fernandez said that Cignal is willing to be patient with the 6-foot-4 bruiser.

“He’s currently doing rehab and we’re trying to strengthen him. The doctors said that he’s cleared to play so we hope he plays an important role in our team.”

Perkins last played for Caida in the 2016 Aspirants’ Cup, where he averaged 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in another semifinals exit for the franchise.

He would continue playing his final year with the Green Archers, where he netted 4.3 markers and 4.4 boards in 12.8 minutes on the floor as La Salle claimed the UAAP Season 79 title.

Perkins will join the Red Lion-backed Hawkeyes together with big men Mark Bringas and Alfred Batino this conference.

“We have to do what we had. It really deepens our rotation of our bigs, but compared to the other teams, we’re still undersized. I guess we just have to outwork them,” said Fernandez.

Cignal-San Beda makes its debut on Tuesday against AMA Online Education.