DON’T expect CJ Perez to be his usual high-scoring self in the coming PBA season.
That is, if the two-time scoring champion can’t readily adjust to his new role as just another cog in San Miguel Beer’s already loaded lineup.
“Sa dati n’yang team kahit ano gawin niya okay lang dahil siya pa rin ang main guy,” Beermen coach Leo Austria said of Perez, acquired from Terrafirma in a trade last February.
“Pero dito, kailangan always focused siya dapat sa role niya dahil alam naman niya lahat ng teammates niya capable, deserving to be a starter.”
Austria believes Perez would make the adjustment soon enough. “Kasi smart siya and very observant,” the coach said. “And we all know din na mataas ang kanyang basketball IQ.”
Perez and Mo Tautuaa joined the SMB scrimmages in Batangas only last week after completing their stint with the Gilas squad in the FIBA 3×3 OQT in Austria last month and the ensuing quarantine protocols.
While Tautuaa did little workout at first to better heal the injury he suffered in Austria, Perez hit the ground running.
“As usual, ke magpahinga o hindi ganu’n pa rin iyun, high energy,” noted Austria.
One thing that should work in Perez shortening his adjustment period is the fact he already had initial sessions, albeit limited, with the Beermen before his Gilas stint that included a pre-OQT bubble.
“Bago sila umalis, naka-one month na siya noon,” related Austria. “Although individual workout, more or less alam na niya. Saka pinaghahalo-halo ko na sila. After one week, shina-shuffle ko sila, para familiarization sa isa’t-isa.”
Perez is expected to boost SMB’s backcourt led by Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot and Terrence Romeo and also provide some offensive relief from main man June Mar Fajardo, who is still trying to shake off the ill effects of a shin fracture that sidelined the six-time MVP for all of last season.
That’s not to mention Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter and Von Pessumal, who must also get their touches.
For the moment, Austria admitted he is still working on finding the suitable combinations. “Naghahanap pa ako ng magandang combinations, then rotation,” he said.
“Medyo nagtatagal dahil lahat nag-i-step up,” added Austria. “Pati bench namin ngayon maganda pina-practice nila. Okay naman, nagiging healthy ang competition.”
