CJ Perez saw limited minutes in the San Miguel Beermen’s rousing win over the Rain or Shine Elastopainters in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Friday, March 15.
CJ Perez returned to the country feeling recharged after going on a well-deserved European trip with his wife, Sienna.
It was a much-needed break for The Predator, who bucked a left ankle injury to lead San Miguel to its 29th title in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Magnolia a month ago and went on to fulfill his duties with Gilas Pilipinas in the subsequent first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
“Refreshed,” Perez told One Sports after the Beermen notched a 109-97 opening game victory over Rain or Shine on Friday, March 15.
“'Yung finals at saka semis, sobrang pressure. So, ngayon, medyo relaxed na," added Perez, who visited Paris, Amsterdam, Italy and Barcelona.
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Perez, though, admitted that he has not yet fully recovered from the injury he sustained during Game Three of the best-of-seven finals series where he landed on foe Jio Jalalon's foot following a dunk.
"'Yung sa tapilok ko noong last time, medyo may pain pa," said Perez.
That is why the Best Player of the Conference and Finals Most Valuable Player played scant minutes for the Beermen in their first match.
He collected seven points and three rebounds in a little more than 15 minutes on the floor.
Plenty of players stepped up for San Miguel, with Jericho Cruz leading the way with 20 points. Marcio Lassiter and Don Trollano added 17 and 16 points, respectively.
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game Highlights: San Miguel gunner Marcio Lassiter torches Rain or Shine]
June Mar Fajardo, who sat out Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign last month due to a left calf injury, put up a double-double effort of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
“Siguro, healthy na ako. Conditioning na lang siguro. Kababalik lang namin sa practice. Pero so far, OK lang naman,” Fajardo said.
Perez, for his part, bared that he is still groping for form.
But he is expected to return to his beastly self when the Beermen resume action against TNT on Sunday, March 17.