Perez impresses in Gilas practice, downplays comparisons to Abueva

MANILA, Philippines — Among the notable names in the 23-man Gilas Pilipinas pool for 2023 is Lyceum University star CJ Perez.

And while we all know that he’s a physically talented cager belonging to an equally stellar bunch, the reigning NCAA MVP proved why he deserves to be in the pool for the FIBA World Cup five years from now.

“Andoon na ‘yung [mindset] ko,” Perez, who on Monday night took part in Gilas’ second training this year, said of his mental approach for the 2023 global contest set here. “Iniisip ko 'yun simula mag-tawag sila ng practices.”

“Kailangan ko lang magwork hard pa para makapasok sa lineup na yun kahit malayo pa,” he added.

Perez’s handling of himself during the short practice at the Meralco Gym was a stark contrast to that of his humility. He engaged coaches Josh Reyes — who was then filling for his father Chot —  and Jong Uichico as if he has been under their wing for months. He bodied his teammates as if he has been training with them ever since.

His passion was so evident that he drew comparisons to the ever-animated Calvin Abueva.

"'Yung pag compare naman nila sakin kay Calvin, actually sobrang layo kasi ng laro ko sa kanya,” Perez offered. “[I]dol ko talaga siya pero kailangn ko munang marating dun sa [level] niya kasi sobrang experienced niya.”

The Pirates guard was one of the three collegiate standouts exclusively invited to participate in the short workout. The other two were San Beda’s Robert Bolick Jr. and De La Salle’s Abu Tratter.

High praises aside, Perez said he’s just grateful to put on work alongside his hooping idol June Mar Fajardo and be able to help keep the practices going amid the national squad’s perennial problem with attendance.

“Bago pa sa akin mga plays. Nag-aadjust pa ako syempre… mga professionals [sila]…. Na-i-starstruck din ako sa kanila,” he shared. "Sobrang happy and grateful na nakakatulong ako sa kanila kahit sa simpleng practice lang.”

Asked about what surprised him the most, the shifty guard emphasized how it’s “all mental."

“More on sa mental… 'di na siguro iniisip 'yung conditioning kasi may [pro] teams naman sila so about sa mental toughness [talaga],” Perez shared. "Sa NCAA, puro takbuhan lang kasi. Dito pag-iisipan mo talaga mga next na gagawin.”

“Kahit kanino, madaming matututunan sa kanila,” he closed.