CJ Perez early favorite for NCAA MVP

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It’s just halfway through NCAA Season 93 but Lyceum’s forward CJ Perez is being tabbed as the early favorite to win the MVP award in the men’s basketball tournament.

Perez is the league’s top scorer after the first round after putting up 18.6 points to go along 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 steals across nine games with the Pirates yet to drop a match.

But for the swingman, though, winning the MVP is just a bonus as he and the team have their eyes on the bigger trophy.

“I’m thinking more of helping the team win a championship,” said Perez, who will play for the Pirates for this season only. “If I win the MVP, that would be just a bonus.”

Pirates head coach Topex Robinson said he’s glad Perez earned the recognition this early in the season.

“It’s something he earned, and it’s obviously there,” said Robinson Wednesday. “We, however, don’t usually discuss it with the team.”