Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Leading Zark’s Burger-Lyceum to the Finals, CJ Perez was named as the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Conference Most Valuable Player on Thursday.
The 24-year-old averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 steals as he dragged the sixth seed Jawbreakers from the brink of elimination to the championship round.
His leadership allowed Zark’s-Lyceum to become the lowest-ranked team to reach the Finals.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial bestowed the honor on Perez before Game 2 of the Finals at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
.@jaymar_perez is the 2018 #PBADLeague Aspirants’ Cup Conference MVP! pic.twitter.com/b2sbeZVRNM
— Randolph B. Leongson (@RLeongsonINQ) April 26, 2018
He edged teammate Jaycee Marcelino, Samboy de Leon and Allyn Bulanadi of Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Sean Manganti of Akari-Adamson, and Rian Ayonayon and Gab Banal of Marinerong Pilipino.
This wasn’t Perez’ first time to be feted as the best individual performer of a tournament, winning the Most Valuable Player award this past NCAA Season 93.