Perez grateful for immense trust from ‘hero’ Robinson

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Throughout his collegiate career, which has seen him make stops at three schools, CJ Perez had one person he could always lean on: coach Topex Robinson.

That’s why the leading Most Valuable Player candidate finds no shame in calling the youthful Lyceum mentor his hero.

“Coach always tells us to think about who our hero is. Actually, he’s the one I look up to, and I look at him as my hero,” said Perez on the heels of Lyceum’s historic 18-0 sweep of the NCAA Season 93 eliminations on Thursday.

Buying into Robinson’s system has allowed not only Perez, but the rest of the Pirates to flourish this season leading to an outright Finals berth.

Playing inspired through the course of the year, the Pirates have awed the crowd as they established themselves as one of the best collegiate teams in the country — all while wearing smiles on their faces.

For Perez, Lyceum will not be where it is right now if not for its head coach, who have always defrayed the credit to his players.

“He gets mad at me, but he’s really the one I see as my hero. He gives me so much trust. When I was struggling, he was always there helping me and pushing me on what to do. He never stops motivating me,” the energetic forward said.

This dynamic between the player and the coach has also bore fruits for the 23-year-old, as he emerged as a clear frontrunner for this season’s MVP award.

But winning the plum is the least of Perez’ concerns.

“All we’re thinking of right now is inspiring people, especially the ones who watch us. Now, we have the chance to show our talents and we’d like nothing more but to inspire everyone who sees us,” he said.