The sweet scent of champagne has yet to fade but CJ Perez is already headed for yet another mission, this time, for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Perez, who led San Miguel Beer to the Commissioner’s Cup title in the Philippine Basketball Association last week, admitted that he has no time to celebrate as he faces yet another crucial mission when Gilas battle Hong Kong this Thursday and Chinese Taipei on Monday.
In their best-of-seven finals showdown against Magnolia, Perez was simply impressive, averaging 18 points. 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 2.8 assists in six games.
With that, he emerged as Most Valuable Player of the finals, a feat that came at the heels of his Best Player of the Conference award.
But his successful PBA stint is already a thing of the past as Perez has to switch back to Gilas mode in a bid to help the Filipinos emerge victorious against dangerous foes.
“After the PBA, I changed my mindset for Gilas. I was able to relax for two days but I was just ready to play for the country,” Perez said during Gilas’ press conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
“I’m still learning. I’m still improving as a basketball player.”
Playing for Gilas has been very fruitful for Perez.
In fact, he was part of the national squad that regained the gold medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh last year.
In the 19th Asian Games, he was not originally chosen, but was still given the nod when he, Kevin Alas, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter replaced Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Jason Perkins and Mo Tautuaa at the very last minute.
Perez was so thrilled to be part of the team that he was seen screaming his heart out after Gilas Pilipinas won the Asian Games gold medal for the first time in 61 years.
Perez said he will gladly embrace the golden opportunity of serving the country through basketball.
“I’m blessed that I was able to achieve those things early in my career, I’m just grateful that I am always getting called up by Gilas,” Perez said.
“I will always continue playing for the country.”
