After most recently bringing his team to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 94 finals, former Lyceum of the Philippine University (LPU) Pirate CJ Perez begins his professional basketball career as he becomes the number one pick overall, picked up by Columbian Dyip in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft that took place at Robinsons Place Manila last Sunday, December 16.
The 25-year-old bested out 46 other hopefuls for that top spot, but it was not unexpected as the Season 93 Most Valuable Player (MVP) also averaged 18.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.3 steals for his university during his senior year. When asked what his reaction was to being “PBA-ready,” the naturalized player replied in a mix of English and Filipino, “This is a dream come true for me. I want to contribute my best effort and hustle for Columbian. I hope there’s a lot I can help with and improve.”
Following Perez with the second draft pick is former National University (NU) guard Ray Ray Parks, the two-time University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) MVP following the footsteps of his father in the pros and picked up by Blackwater. He was not present during the ceremony as he joined San Miguel Alab Pilipinas for the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) in their game against the CLS Knights in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Rounding out the top three is Robert Bolick from San Beda, who will now provide a helping hand to NorthPort Batang Pier.
The first round is completed by NLEX’s number five pick Paul Desiderio, followed by Trevis Jackson picked up by Meralco, Javee Mocon now on Rain or Shine, Abu Tratter chosen by NLEX, Jayjay Alejandro also on Rain or Shine, Jasper Ayaay on Alaska, Michael Calisaan on Magnolia, JP Calvo joining Perez in Columbian, and Jorey Napoles chosen by Phoenix.
We’ll be able to see these new PBA additions as another season opens in January 2019.