Columbian rookie CJ Perez during the opening ceremony of the 2019 PBA season at Philippine Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Carrying the label of being the top overall pick already comes with tremendous pressure to live up to.
CJ Perez, the No. 1 selection by Columbian in last month’s rookie draft, isn’t shying away from that challenge.
In fact, he’s raring to show the PBA what he’s all about even if it means going toe-to-toe with undisputed Philippine Cup king San Miguel Beer in his keenly-awaited pro debut.
“They’re the top team and they’re a formidable team. It’s a good opportunity for us to show what we’re capable of,” Perez said in Filipino. “It’s our first game and we’re going to find out what we’re made of.”
“I’m excited to face them. They have great point guards in Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross. Chris Ross is a very good defender so it’s a chance for me to see how far I’ve improved as a player. I’m just really excited,” added Perez, who carried the Lyceum Pirates to back-to-back NCAA Finals appearances.
The Beermen are gunning for a fifth straight all-Filipino crown while the Dyip are looking to finally turn their fortunes around this season after languishing at the bottom of the standings year after year.
Apart from Perez, Columbian is also banking on its guards Jerramy King and Rashawn McCarthy, who is coming off his best season yet in his first year with the Kia franchise after playing sparingly for San Miguel in his rookie season.
“I feel like San Miguel is the measuring stick for everyone especially in the all-Filipino Cup. They’ve won the last four championships,” McCarthy said. “I just love to play against those guys. those are my guys, I love to complete against those guys, it’s always fun.”