Led by more confident CJ Perez, Columbian expects better Governors’ Cup bid

MANILA, Philippines—Riding high after a noteworthy performance in just his first foray in the Fiba World Cup, CJ Perez rejoined Columbian a much more confident player.

Perez, however, is wary not to be overconfident as he tries to lead the Dyip to the playoffs in the coming PBA Governors’ Cup.

“I feel that I gained a lot of confidence from that experience,” Perez said in Filipino. “But I don’t want to be satisfied just by having too much confidence that’s why I’m not thinking about it that much.”

Columbian only won seven games in the first two conferences combined but with Perez gaining invaluable experience playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the world stage and having a promising import in Khapri Alston, the Dyip see a different outcome this time.

“Our past conferences where we played a lot of close games and overtimes helped the team to mature. We have a lot of rookies on the team, I’m also a rookie coach so we’re still adjusting, but I’m very confident this time,” said Dyip coach Johnedel Cardel in Filipino.

“I told my players, I’m very confident that they will play together as a team. We’re really hoping that this time we will have a good run.”

Columbian also had a busy break in between conferences with the acquisition of guard Juami Tiongson and big men Lervin Flores and Joseph Gabayni in a trade with NorthPort in exchange for Jerramy King and Russel Escoto late last month.

“I expect them to play quality minutes. I need my new big men to play defense and get some rebounds but I think Juami Tiongson is going to be a big factor for us,” Cardel said.

“I think this conference we have a big chance to make the quarterfinals because of the additions we made plus we have a healthy lineup and CJ having a lot of confidence after playing in the World Cup.”