CJ Perez on regulation’s last play: ‘I was supposed to drive’
Gilas Pilipinas had a chance to beat Angola during the regulation of an eventual 84-81 loss in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China when CJ Perez had the ball with about five seconds left.
But to the shock of most fans in China and elsewhere, Perez did not do much with the time remaining, and heaved a three-pointer from way beyond the arc when he realized the time was running out.
During the post-game press conference, Perez admitted he should have attacked the basket to have given Gilas a chance to steal the win right in the fourth quarter.
“I was supposed to drive, but maybe lack of experience. I think I should have (driven on) that (play and maybe we could have gotten a shot),” Perez said, adding it was his decision to stay near midcourt and wait.
The Philippines still started strong in overtime, taking a 76-73 before faltering in the end. Perez had 17 points to his name, once again being one of the leading scorers of the squad.
He also hit the game-tying triple that made it 73-all, allowing Gilas to force extension in the first place.
But the Columbian Dyip super rookie also felt bad about not being able to register a win in three games in Group D, as Gilas is chasing an Olympic slot as the best-placed Asian team.
“It was a great game for us but we needed that win to have a chance for the Olympics,” he said. The effort was there, credit to Coach Yeng (Guiao) and the teammates for the effort.”
Considered just a replacement as the likes of Jayson Castro, Scottie Thompson, and Ray Parks Jr. opted not to join the training camp, Perez has been a revelation in the World Cup, averaging 16 points a game while providing energy and and additional scoring punch to the squad.
He credited his good play to both Guiao’s trust and just following his game.
“For me, it’s doing the right thing all the time every game, and my effort. The trust of coach Yeng, I feel it, I give him credit,” he said.
Gilas Pilipinas will still have games against Tunisia and Iran in the classification phase, hoping to get some wins before heading back home.
Written by Levi Verora, Jr.
Photos by Glenn Michael Tan
Leave a Reply