PBA Rookie Draft No.1 pick officially signs max contract with Columbian

“And finally! Our team selected CJ Perez as the No.1 overall pick of the 2018 Gatorade PBA Draft. Welcome to the club CJ!” (Photo: Columbian Dyip/Facebook)

After being drafted first by Columbian Dyip in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft, former Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) star CJ Perez has officially signed a maximum deal with his new team.

Last Thursday, December 20 at the Azure, the 23-year-old wrote his name off the contract in the presence of team governor Bobby Rosales, who believes Perez “has character,” stating, “His basketball talent speaks for itself.”

Columbian head coach Johnedel Cardel also adds that, “the team, the players, the management are very happy [they] got CJ in the draft,” declaring, “He’s a big addition. He can give more energy. He has great character. He’s a team player. That’s why I’m very proud we got him.”

Although the Columbian management refused to disclose how many number of years their contract with Perez guaranteed, however, the deal is estimated to be at least P10 million. Just a few days ago, Dyip announced that they are starting a new era for their team with the addition of CJ Perez initiating change by shifting their jerseys from blue to minted-green. According to team manager Ivy Bautista, it signifies “new players, new look, new hope.”

The upcoming 44th PBA season begins on January 13, where Perez will be able to unveil his worth to his new team, who is trying to redeem themselves from a 6-27 record from the 2017-2018 season.

Just a few days ago, the number three pick from the PBA Rookie Draft Robert Bolick inked his name with new team NorthPort as well with a two-year contract, while updates have yet to be made about second overall pick Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and fourth overall pick Paul Desiderio as they may be traded to different teams. The trade transactions are still awaiting the approval of PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.