CJ Perez excited to play alongside June Mar Fajardo

CJ Perez is excited at the thought of playing alongside San Miguel main man June Mar Fajardo.

The 27-year old Perez, who was acquired via trade with Terrafirma in exchange for Russel Escoto, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Gelo Alolino and the Beermen’s first round picks in the upcoming draft and in 2022, is looking forward to being teammates with the league’s one and only 6-time Most Valuable Player.

“It’s a huge honor to be playing alongside June Mar in SMB. He’s a six-time MVP. I’m excited and I’m already looking forward to the games that we’ll be playing,” said Perez in Tagalog. “I think I can play off the ball. My three-point shooting was lower this season, so I have to put in the extra work because there are a lot of players who can create in San Miguel. I’m also working on involving my teammates better. But I have a lot of time to practice and work on all of that.”

Currently training with Gilas Pilipinas at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna in preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers set on February 18 to 22 in Doha, Qatar, Perez is already thinking of his upcoming role with his new team.

“I’ll figure out my role and how I’ll play with them. It’s an adjustment because they’re veterans, but I’m excited to learn from them. I know I can adjust quickly as a role player since I’m familiar with playing that type of game when I’m with Gilas Pilipinas,” said the 2019 PBA Rookie of the Year.

And with the Beermen aching to bounce back after failing to extend their reign in the Philippine Cup, Perez is hoping to have an immediate impact and help the team regain lost glory.

“I want to sustain the legacy they built. They’ve sacrificed a lot to win all the championships they’ve won. I have to do my part in maintaining that legacy.”

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