CJ Perez (with ball) has added a tremendous amount of depth to San Miguel. —PBA IMAGES
Leo Austria knew right before CJ Perez played his first game in a San Miguel uniform that he’d fit just right in with the Beermen.
“I knew right off the bat that he’d help a lot,” he told the Inquirer with the league on an indefinite break, as the multititled coach can’t wait for the Philippine Cup to resume and get his retooled roster going and June Mar Fajardo back in game shape.
“It has been evident in our last four games that he’s a major part of the team in terms of offense and defense,” Austria added.
Steady scorer
Sure, Perez would churn out the steady numbers—and expectedly so—for he is, after all, a two-time scoring champion.
But what makes the 27-year-old guard tick, according to Austria, is his ability to soak things up with ease.
“He’s really observant,” he said.
But more importantly, Perez is also well-loved by his teammates.
“On top of that, he knows how to get along well with others. He has earned the respect of everybody,” he went on.
One with team
Skipper Alex Cabagnot shares that view, and is not at all threatened by the arrival of Perez, someone who could ultimately eat upon his time on the floor.
“[He’s] a great player,” he said of Perez, who has been averaging 17.5 points and six rebounds after four games off the bench.
And for what it’s worth, Cabagnot—the Beermen’s longtime clutch guy—believes Perez will soon have a bigger role within the team.
“I think I’m just standing on the starting position as of now,” the 38-year-old playmaker said with a smile.
“It’s going be CJ’s pretty soon.” INQ