Perez finds little time to rest

MANILA, Philippines — There’s no player more dedicated for the Philippine team right now than CJ Perez.

Fresh from his stint with the Gilas Pilipinas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers Sunday night in Jakarta, Perez wasted no time fulfilling his other duties with the national team by reporting to the Gilas 3x3 practice yesterday at Gold’s Gym Sheridan.

Perez joined other Philippine 3x3 team pool members Mo Tautuaa, Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol with reserves Leonard Santillan and Karl Dehesa under the guidance of Serbian mentor Stefan Stojacic.

The Gilas 3x3 team is preparing for the 2020 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament set March 18-22 in Bengaluru, India.

The team is in Pool C with Slovenia, Dominican Republic, Qatar and France. Only three of the 20 teams will be given tickets to the Tokyo Olympics, where 3x3 will be recognized as a medal sport for the first time.

The native of Pangasinan is expected to show his wares in 3x3 after helping the Nationals trounce home team Indonesia, 100-70, for a triumphant FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers start. He registered 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four steals in the big win.

Perez, along with Tautuaa, Jason Perkins and Chris Newsome, claimed the title in the inaugural SEA Games 3x3 basketball last December.

His double-duty with the national team comes in the middle of his preparations with mother team Columbian Dyip for the 45th PBA season kicking off on March 8.

On the same day, Perez is expected to receive the PBA Rookie of the Year honors as the league holds the opener simultaneously with the 44th Leo Awards. He is also an MVP and Mythical Five candidate after topping the scoring list last season and finishing just behind five-time MVP June Mar Fajardo in the statistical race.