AFTER Gilas Pilipinas’ scored a come-from-behind 103-98 win over the visiting Macau Black Bears on Monday night, coach Tim Cone took note of how players like CJ Perez can contribute to the team’s cause.
“I always felt CJ is a game changer that’s why he’s on the team. He’s the guy that comes out and changes the tempo of the game. CJ can come off the bench and can change the game at times,” said Cone.
Perez, who just came off helping San Miguel win the PBA Philippine Cup title, impressed Cone with his energetic performance.
He ended up with seven points, two rebounds and two blocks and was instrumental in Gilas’ comeback from 20 points down.
“CJ was a catalyst in the third quarter. Imagine, he just came from a 6-game finals series, a long playoff, and has not rested, shows up for practice, comes in and helps us win,” said Cone.
Cone feels that Gilas will improve some more in the days to come as the team takes on Jordan in its final friendly game.
Gilas goes into action against Taiwan in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 on August 6 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Atencio
