CJ Perez kept this streak alive a day after arriving from Euro trip

CJ PEREZ played just 15 minutes for San Miguel in its PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup opener against Rain or Shine – quite unusual for the Best Player of the Conference and Finals MVP in the previous Commissioner’s Cup.

But San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent said it has nothing to do with an injury.

Perez returns from Europe trip

Gallent said Perez was coming off a vacation in Europe and only arrived in the country last Thursday, or on the eve of their conference debut. He still finished with seven points and three rebounds.

The vacation, of course, had the blessings of management was well-deserved as he led the Beermen to a championship in the Commissioner’s Cup last February before joining Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.

“Galing siyang Europe. He just arrived last night,” said Gallent.

Gallent said Perez didn’t need to play, but the SMB star insisted on doing so since he hasn’t missed a game since his rookie year with Terrafirma in 2019.

“He is giving me good games so I have to give back the reward,” said Gallent of his player who has saw action in all 157 of his matches.

Perez insisted to play

Perez confirmed that he wanted to play even though he just arrived in Manila.

“Nag-Europe trip kami ng wife ko. Humabol ako, kararating ko lang din kahapon. Okay naman ako. Nag-worry lang si coach na huwag pilitin. Pero okay naman,” said Perez.

Prior to the European tour, Perez also spent a vacation after the Fiba Basketball World Cup, but that was cut short after he got a late call-up from the Gilas team that went on to win a gold medal in the Asian Games.

This time, Perez had all the time to take a break, going on a tour of Spain, Amsterdam, Italy, and Paris.

Now back to work, Perez said he is glad to start off the conference with a win.

“Nag-bakasyon tapos nanalo uli sa first game. ‘Yun ang importante, ‘yung first win talaga para makuha ‘yung kumpiyansa,” said Perez.