CJ Perez on course to finally win elusive BPC award

CJ Perez has consistently been in the running for the PBA Best Player of the Conference award, but has always ended up as the runner-up. This conference, Perez looks primed to finally break through and claim the top individual honor.

The top overall pick of the 2018 draft is again a leading candidate for the BPC award. He has a strong chance of grasping the coveted trophy this time around.

Heading into the championship series, Perez has nearly caught up to the current leader, Christian Standhardinger of Brgy. Ginebra, in the statistical points race. The Fil-German still sits at number one with 35.7 statistical points, but Perez is closely behind in second place with 35.5 points.

With San Miguel eliminating Standhardinger and the Gin Kings via 3-0 semifinal sweep, Perez now seems poised to run away with the top individual award of the conference. He certainly hopes this will be the case.

“Dagdag sa kumpiyansa ko yun at sa resume ko. Malaking bagay yan para sa career ko,” said the 30-year-old out of Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Only Standhardinger remains a threat to Perez’s bid, as the three other candidates — Arvin Tolentino (NorthPort), Calvin Oftana (TNT), and Scottie Thompson (Brgy. Ginebra) — are already too far behind to contend.

Of course, Perez is not focusing on winning the award just yet, as there is an even bigger battle he and the Beermen must face – and that is the Finals battle against the top-seeded Magnolia Hotshots.

“I’m not looking for it now. Masyado pang maaga,” said Perez. “Yung championship pa rin yung focus ko. Just grateful lang na nakakapag-laro pa rin ako ng ganito and I’m still consistent sa mga ginagawa ko.”

The BPC Award and the Best Import Award will be announced before Game 4 of the championship series.