Despite his limited playing time in the FIBA World Cup, CJ Perez, the spirited guard, remains committed to answering the call from the Gilas Pilipinas program once again.
Interim management had included him among the four late additions from the Philippine Basketball Association, serving as backup options for the 19th Asian Games.
Perez demonstrated his dedication by cutting short his vacation to promptly join the training squad during its brief camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
“I know we all get tired, but this is for the country,” When questioned about his quick return to the program, even after months of preparation for the World Cup where he didn’t see much playing time, he responded.
“If you think about it, what our cops and soldiers do is harder. Us athletes, we are representing the country by playing basketball—a game we all love. So, what’s not to like?”
During the Philippines’ five-game homestand in the global showcase, the San Miguel guard participated in only three games, making it the fewest appearances among all the players in the squad.
Perez mentioned that the brief break he enjoyed with his wife and two young daughters was sufficient to replenish his treasury of cherished moments and, more significantly, to revitalize his physical condition.
“That break, no matter how short it was, I think was enough for me. I know I’ll be doing some sort of catching up, but I’ve been with coach Tim (Cone) during the World Cup, so I’m not that worried.”
Arvin Tolentino, another player who was included as a last-minute addition for the Hangzhou showcase, shares a similar perspective.
Although he was a part of the Southeast Asian Games gold-winning squad, Tolentino was conspicuously absent from the 21-man pool selected for the World Cup. Nevertheless, when the call for training came, no matter how late it arrived, he didn’t hesitate to answer.
“For me, whenever I’m available, I’ll always choose to represent the Philippines. And if I’m not called up, I make sure to support the team. Now that I’m back, I promise to give my 100 percent,” Arvin said.
“I’m a competitive guy. I like to set the bar high for myself so I’m going to give my hundred percent to be able to contribute to this team however the team needs.”