NCAA star CJ Perez among Fil-foreign applicants for 2018 PBA Rookie Draft

SOURCE: At only twenty-four years old, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 93 has been in discussion as the professional league’s number one pick. (Photo: Zark’s Burgers/Facebook)

In anticipation of the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft on December 16, 2019, seven Philippine-foreigner basketball players sent in their application before the October 26 deadline  – one standout being Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) star CJ Perez, also known as “Baby Beast.”

At only 24 years old, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 93 has been in discussion as the professional league’s number one pick, accompanied by Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and Robert Bolick also in talks. He also received MVP of the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup and is projected for the 2023 Gilas cadets squad.

Perez is currently on his fourth year is averaging 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. Many are relying on Perez to lead the LPU Pirates to get the top title as they battle it out with the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA Finals.

The native of Pangasinan has made headlines as many disagreed him being considered a Filipino-foreigner. However, the PBA states that all players born outside of the Philippines are not considered Filipinos, Perez being raised by a Filipino mother, but born in Hong Kong. This makes him subject to the PBA’s rule limiting teams to only five Fil-foreigners in their lineup.

Perez leads the rookie draft in hopes to join the league’s 44th season. Those also listed under the Filipino-foreigner applicants include Matthew Salem, Carlos Isit, Paul Varilla, Robbie Manalang, Trevis Jackson, and John Ragasa. Before they are eligible for the draft, their papers will be reviewed by the organization until December 3, which is 11 days before the final list of applicants will be released. The annual Draft Combine is scheduled for either December 12 or 13. For the PBA Draft happening mid-December, Columbian Dyip has the first overall pick, who has already hinted that they “will probably get CJ.”