Perez proud to don tricolor

MANILA, Philippines — Columbian Dyip star CJ Perez relishes the opportunity to don the Gilas Pilipinas colors for a second time this year – with the chance to make it to the Tokyo Olympics at that.

Perez saw action in the Nationals’ 100-70 rout of Indonesia in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers last week in Jakarta and immediately after, he shifted focus on the Gilas 3x3 squad gearing up for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament set March 18-22 in India. 

“Excited ako,” said Perez, who joins forces with SMB’s Mo Tautuaa and top-ranked 3x3 players Joshua Manzon and Alvin Pasaol in trying to make Gilas a part of the event’s inaugurals in Japan.

“Maganda naman ang preparation namin doon. Yung mga technique unti-unti namin nakukuha kasi nandoon yung Serbians, tinuturuan kami paano maglaro,” he added.

Serbian coach Stefan Stojacic and conditioning coach Darko Krsman are overseeing the Gilas training.

“Syempre isang karangalan yun na i-represent mo yung country natin and sana makarating kami doon. Ibibigay namin yung best namin para makarating doon,” said Perez, a veteran of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in 5-on-5.