Perez is league’s best scorer again

San Miguel Beer’s CJ Perez is set to be named, once again, the PBA’s Scoring Champion in just his second season in the league.

The 2019 Mythical Team member led the league in scoring during his sophomore season putting up 24.4 points during the Philippine Cup back when he suited up for Terrafirma.

Perez’ 2020 output was actually an uptick from his 2019 average when he averaged 20.8 points as a rookie en route to his first scoring title, the Rookie of the Year plum and an inclusion to the Mythical Team.Perez will be honored during the PBA Press Corps virtual awards night on March 7, along with last year’s top rookies led by Meralco’s Aaron Black.

Meanwhile, Phoenix coach Topex Robinson feels satisfied with his team’s moves in the offseason.

“Obviously, we wanted to go farther. I guess [the trades] presented a lot of opportunities” the young mentor said on ONE Sports on Wednesday night.

The Fuel Masters figured in a flurry of deals the past week, dealing away one of its stars, Calvin Abueva, to perennial contender Magnolia in exchange for veteran playmaker Chris Banchero and a couple of picks in the coming PBA rookie draft.

Over a week later, the club then used one of those picks in a swap with Alaska, throwing in guard Brian Heruela to acquire disgruntled forward Vic Manuel.

—REPORTS FROM BONG LOZADA AND DENISON REY A. DALUPANG

Read more...