Justin Chua, CJ Perez set to join Gilas training bubble

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas is set to bring in a couple more PBA players for its training bubble with CJ Perez and Justin Chua expected to arrive at Inspire Sports Academy next week.

Captain Kiefer Ravena is the only professional player present at the team’s bubble in Calamba, Laguna so far but Gilas’ lineup for the February window ill be comprised of PBA and amateur athletes.

“CJ and Justin are expected to arrive because there’s a second batch coming in, if i’m not mistaken, on the 22nd,” said Gilas head coach Jong Uichico Friday.

Perez and Chua both played in the previous February window but sat out the November games in Bahrain as the PBA was holding the Philippine Cup in its own bubble in Clark, which is also the venue for the qualifiers.

Uichico said that having the two practice with the team will be an asset to the team’s chemistry.

“Their personality is not overbearing just because they’re PBA players, both are easy to get along with,” said Uichico. “That’s important because you have a mix of talents, PBA and amateurs, the chemistry will go a long way.”

“As long as anyone’s great to get along with and coachable, they’ll mesh together.”

Perez maintained his position as the league’s best scorer when he averaged 24.4 points during the league’s shortened season while also averaging 6.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.0 steals with TerraFirma in the PBA bubble.

Chua, meanwhile, made a case for Most Improve Player after becoming a revelation on the defensive end with his 1.6 blocks topping the league to go along 11.7 rebounds, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.