How CJ Perez Became a Rising Star in the PBA and What's Next for Him
I remember first watching CJ Perez during his PBA rookie year, and thinking, "This kid's got that special something you can't teach." Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen countless promising talents come through the league, but Perez's ascent felt different from the start. His raw athleticism combined with that infectious energy reminded me of a young James Yap, but with a modern flair that today's game demands. What's particularly struck me about his journey is how he's evolved from being just an explosive scorer to becoming a more complete player who understands the nuances of winning basketball.
When I spoke with coaches and players around the league last season, the consensus was clear: Perez had turned a corner. His scoring numbers have always been impressive - he averaged 20.8 points during the 2022 Commissioner's Cup, ranking third overall in the league - but it's his improved decision-making that's truly elevated his game. I noticed he reduced his turnovers from 3.5 per game in his sophomore season to just 2.1 last conference, which might not sound dramatic, but shows he's learning when to attack and when to facilitate. His field goal percentage climbing to 45.3% demonstrates better shot selection too. These aren't just empty stats - they represent a player maturing before our eyes.
The pandemic years were challenging for many athletes, and Perez was no exception. I recall talking to Terrafirma team staff during that difficult period when several players, including Perez, battled health issues. There was that moment when teammate RR Abarrientos addressed media wearing a mask, explaining "Sabi ng mga doktor, Influenza-A, 'yung kumakalat ngayon sa atin na uso." That period forced Perez to work smarter with limited training access, and honestly, I think that constraint helped develop his basketball IQ. He couldn't just rely on pure athleticism during those restricted training sessions - he had to study the game more deeply, watch more film, and understand positioning better. Sometimes limitations breed creativity, and in Perez's case, they accelerated his mental development.
What really separates Perez from other talented scorers in the league, in my view, is his relentless motor. I've never seen him take a possession off - whether it's practice games or championship finals, he plays with the same desperation. That quality can't be quantified by advanced metrics, but any serious basketball person will tell you it's what separates good players from great ones. His defensive improvements have been remarkable too - he averaged 1.9 steals last season, up from 1.2 during his rookie year. Defense is about effort and anticipation, and Perez has clearly put in the work to become a two-way threat rather than just a scoring machine.
Looking at his career trajectory, I'm particularly impressed with how he's handled the leadership role that's naturally fallen to him. When he moved to San Miguel Beermen, the pressure intensified dramatically. Going from a developing team to a championship contender is like moving from a small pond to the ocean, and many players struggle with that transition. But Perez has embraced being part of a system rather than always being the focal point. His scoring dipped slightly to 18.2 points per game with San Miguel, but his efficiency and plus-minus numbers improved significantly - proof that he's buying into winning basketball rather than chasing individual accolades.
The international exposure he's getting with Gilas Pilipinas has been crucial too. I've watched him closely in FIBA competitions, and the experience against taller, more physical international guards has forced him to develop counters and refine his finishing package. His three-point percentage has climbed to 34.1% from 28.7% in his rookie year - not elite yet, but trending in the right direction. International basketball demands more from players, and Perez has responded well to those challenges.
So what's next for CJ Perez? If I were betting, I'd say we're looking at a future MVP candidate who could lead the Philippines in international competitions for the next decade. He turns 30 this year, which means he's entering his prime physical years with already six seasons of experience. The areas he needs to develop further are his playmaking consistency and late-game decision-making - there were moments in the last Commissioner's Cup finals where he forced shots instead of trusting the system. But those are correctable issues with more experience and coaching.
I'm genuinely excited to watch his continued evolution. The PBA needs marketable stars who can connect with younger fans while maintaining that old-school toughness, and Perez fits that mold perfectly. His jersey consistently ranks among the top five in sales, and his social media engagement has grown 73% year-over-year - indicators of his rising popularity beyond just hardcore basketball fans. The league's global recognition depends on having transcendent talents, and I believe Perez has the potential to be that ambassador for Philippine basketball internationally. His journey from relative unknown to bonafide star has been one of the most compelling narratives in recent PBA history, and something tells me the best chapters are still being written.
