Columbian won’t let Perez go anywhere

ROME – With the PBA planning session over, talks have shifted to preparations of the teams for the coming PBA season. And though a perennial cellar-dweller, the Columbian Dyip is in the mix – thanks to its gem in CJ Perez.

The former LPU Pirate, who seems a cinch for the Rookie of the Year award, is a trade target for many teams.

But Columbian Dyip top official Bobby Rosales stressed that they’re holding on to Perez.

“Mahirap bitawan. As far as I’m concerned, CJ is the best player from among the new bunch of players,” said Rosales.

“He’s really a force. The kid has so much talent that you don’t see in other players. If he’ll be able to keep discipline, I think he’s bound to be a great player,” Rosales added. “He’s not an ordinary player. He can dictate the pace of the game whenever given the opportunity.”

The Columbian Dyip top honcho believes Perez’ biggest challenge is himself.

“Magaling yung bata. I think ang pinakakalaban ni CJ is himself. Alam nyang magaling sya, kapag pinabayaan niya disiplina, doon siya masisira,” said Rosales.

The Dyip management feels the entry of Roosevelt Adams can well help Perez.

“Before, our team relied so much on CJ. And that’s hard if you lean on just one player. With the coming of Adams, hopefully, CJ’s burden will be lessened. Adams is good in practice, but of course, actual game is different,” said Rosales of the 6-foot-5 Adams, who is to provide the Dyip the height, muscle and energy that they lacked in their previous campaigns.

With the dearth of big men from the previous rookie draft, the consensus among PBA officials is that the old powerhouses remain the teams to beat in the Philippine Cup, but the import-laden conferences could be competitive. 

“The SMC Group will still be a force to reckon with in the All-Filipino as they’re rich in Filipino talent. I think as we approach the import-laden conferences, that will sort of balance the teams’ competitiveness against the San Miguel group. Even the MVP Group, I think they fear they lack big men. By the second conference, the competition will improve,” said Rosales.

“By and large, I believe the competitiveness of the league has vastly improved,” he added.