Tunisia World Cup
I still remember the first time I watched CJ Perez play live at the Araneta Coliseum. The energy was electric - this kid moved differently, played with a certain hunger you don't often see in rookies. What struck me most wasn't just his athleticism, but how he seemed to understand the game on a deeper level than most newcomers. See, here's the thing about CJ's PBA journey that many casual fans might miss - his explosive rookie season didn't come out of nowhere. But he's not exactly unfamiliar to Asian basketball, more so with Gilas Pilipinas. That international experience, those battles against seasoned Asian competitors, gave him something you can't teach in local leagues - a global perspective on the game.
When Columbian Dyip drafted him first overall in the 2018 PBA Draft, I'll admit I had my doubts. Sure, the kid put up impressive numbers in the D-League averaging around 18 points per game, but the PBA is a different beast entirely. What surprised me was how quickly he adapted. In his first conference alone, he was putting up numbers that veteran players would be proud of - I recall one particular game where he dropped 28 points against the mighty San Miguel Beermen. The way he attacked the basket reminded me of a young James Yap, that same fearless approach against established stars. His scoring average that rookie season hovered around 20 points per game, which is just insane for someone fresh out of college.
The real turning point in understanding CJ Perez PBA Journey came during his second conference. Teams started figuring him out, double-teaming him more frequently, forcing him into tougher shots. I noticed his efficiency dipping slightly - his field goal percentage dropped from about 45% to around 42% during that stretch. The problem was clear: he was trying to do too much himself. I remember watching him struggle against Magnolia's disciplined defense, committing 5 turnovers in a crucial fourth quarter. That's when his Gilas experience truly kicked in. Having played against international teams that employed sophisticated defensive schemes, he began recognizing patterns better. Instead of forcing drives into crowded lanes, he started making the extra pass, finding open teammates that defenses left to focus on him.
What impressed me most was his work ethic behind the scenes. I spoke with one of the team's training staff who mentioned CJ would stay after practice for extra shooting sessions, sometimes putting up 500 additional shots daily. His three-point percentage improved from 28% to 34% by his second season - not elite yet, but showing clear progression. The solution wasn't just about skill development though - it was about basketball IQ. He started watching more game film, studying how international players moved without the ball, incorporating those elements into his PBA game. I noticed him using more off-ball screens, cutting smarter, and showing better defensive awareness. His steals increased from 1.5 to nearly 2.5 per game, creating easy transition opportunities that perfectly suited his explosive style.
Looking at where he is now, having won Rookie of the Year and establishing himself as a Gilas mainstay, CJ's journey offers valuable lessons for young players. The PBA isn't just about raw talent - it's about adaptability and continuous learning. His case demonstrates how international experience can accelerate a player's development, providing tools that even some veterans lack. Personally, I believe he's on track to become one of the league's next superstars if he maintains this growth trajectory. What excites me most isn't just his individual stats, but how he's learning to make his teammates better - that's the mark of a truly special player. The PBA needs more stories like CJ's - young talents who bridge local and international basketball, raising the level of play for everyone.
