Tunisia World Cup
As a longtime PBA analyst who's followed CJ Perez's career since his collegiate days, I must confess I've developed a particular fondness for watching this explosive guard evolve. When we talk about CJ Perez's PBA career statistics, we're not just discussing numbers - we're witnessing the emergence of someone who's reshaping Philippine basketball in real time. His journey from being the top overall pick in the 2018 PBA Draft to becoming one of the league's most electrifying players has been nothing short of spectacular.
I still remember watching his rookie season with Columbian Dyip where he immediately put up 20.8 points per game - an absolutely ridiculous number for a first-year player in this league. What impressed me more than the scoring was his relentless energy on both ends of the floor. The guy averaged 2.5 steals per game that season, which tells you everything about his defensive instincts. When he moved to Terrafirma and later to San Miguel Beermen, I noticed how his game matured beyond just putting up big numbers. His field goal percentage climbed from 41% in his rookie year to around 46% in recent seasons, showing he's learning to pick his spots better rather than just forcing shots.
Now here's something many fans might overlook - his international experience has been crucial to his development. He's not exactly unfamiliar to Asian basketball, more so with Gilas Pilipinas. Having covered numerous Gilas games myself, I can attest that his exposure to international competitions has significantly elevated his understanding of the game. The way he reads defenses now, his decision-making in crucial moments - these are skills honed through battling against Asia's best. His stint with Gilas has clearly influenced his PBA performances, making him a more complete player rather than just a scoring machine.
Looking at his career averages of approximately 18.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game doesn't fully capture his impact. What these numbers don't show is how he's become more efficient in critical situations. I've noticed his three-point shooting has improved to around 34% - not elite yet, but definitely serviceable enough to keep defenses honest. His free throw percentage hovering near 75% could use some work, but given his aggressive style that draws numerous fouls, he's still managing to convert when it matters.
What really stands out to me personally is how he's adapted his game since joining San Miguel. He's learned to share the spotlight with other stars while still maintaining his identity as an explosive scorer. His 2023 season where he averaged 17.5 points while shooting 47% from the field demonstrates this beautiful balance between aggression and efficiency. The way he attacks the rim remains breathtaking - that combination of speed and body control is something you simply can't teach.
As we look ahead, I'm genuinely excited to see how much higher Perez can climb. At 29 years old, he's entering what should be his prime years, and with his work ethic, I wouldn't be surprised to see him add another layer to his game. Maybe improved playmaking or even more consistent outside shooting. One thing I'm certain about - whenever CJ Perez steps on that court, you're guaranteed entertainment and maximum effort. For any true basketball fan in the Philippines, keeping tabs on his career isn't just recommended - it's essential viewing.
