CJ Perez was part of the loud crowd that trooped to FilOil EcoOil Centre to watch Lyceum of the Philippines University deal defending champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran its first set of back-to-back losses in NCAA Season 98.
And Perez, who currently plays for San Miguel in the PBA, lauded his former teammate and good friend Enoch Valdez, who is now leading the Pirates in their campaign.
"Sobrang proud ako kay Enoch kasi nakikita ko 'yung sipag sa off-season and sa mismong season. Doon ako nai-impress kay Enoch kasi before hindi naman siya gano'n pero ngayon, 'yung mindset niya talagang nag-iba," said Perez.
"Iniba niya 'yung approach niya sa basketball, mas naging seryoso siya. Sinabi ko naman sa kanya na 'yung basketball ay 'yung makakatulong sa kanya."
Perez and Valdez played together for Lyceum in Season 94, which served as his last playing year while it was Valdez' rookie season. But although they had a short stint together, Perez is glad to see the growth and development of Valdez.
"Sobrang proud ako sa kinakapatid ko na si Enoch. Sobrang nakikita ko 'yung improvement and 'yung sipag niya worth it talaga kasi nagagamit niya talaga sa game."
With Valdez leading the Pirates, Perez believes Lyceum can reach the Finals, especially now that they had defeated all Season 97 semifinalists en route to an impressive 5-1 card.
"Kaya nila mag-Finals basta maging consistent lang sila, malaki 'yung chance nila na mag-Finals."
—JMB, GMA News
