Cjay Perez and Jericho Cruz have played together in many PBA battles. Now the San Miguel aces find themselves on opposing sides when Gilas Pilipinas take on Guam in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Cjay Perez is shifting from friend to foe when Gilas Pilipinas square off against Guam in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
That’s because Perez is facing San Miguel teammate Jericho Cruz on the road (November 28) and at home (December 1) in the first window of the qualifiers.
“Kinokontrata ko nga na 'wag na siya maglaro para madali,” said Perez after the Beermen’s drubbing of Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
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Perez was of course kidding.
In fact, the former Best Player of the Conference just can’t wait to go up against his SMB buddy, who is playing a lead role for the Guamanians.
“Iba role nya dun e. Siya talaga tinitignan ng mga players dun,” Perez said of the Season 49 Finals MVP.
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In Guam’s maiden Asia Cup appearance a couple of months ago, Cruz averaged 16 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
His best game came in an 82-73 win against Syria where he dropped game-high five three-pointers for 21 big points.
Unfortunately, a hamstring injury forced him to sit out Guam’s remaining games.
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Now that Cruz is back at full strength, Perez and Gilas brace for the world No. 81 team which has seen exponential growth the past competitions.
“Proud ako dun. Kasi iba role niya dito tapos nakakapag-adjust sya agad sa Guam,” Perez said.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.