By Adrian Stewart Co
Jaymar “CJ” Perez refused to dwell on his stunning trade to the San Miguel Beermen (SMB) from TerraFirma Dyip last week as he focuses on his Gilas Pilipinas stint in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifier later this month.
The Pangasinan-native said that he was not yet informed by either the Dyip or the Beermen regarding the lopsided trade, which is being evaluated by the PBA Commissioner’s Office.
“Actually, wala pang kumakausap sa akin at nagsabi sa kin,” Perez said in an interview with Lyn Olavario of One Sports. “Sa akin lang, player lang ako. Hinihintay lang kung ano ang mangyayari.”
“Wala naman. Normal lang. Wala ako nararamdaman. Kung ano ‘yung nararamdaman ko daily, ‘yun pa rin. Bakit naman ako kakabahan? Hindi naman ako kinakabahan,” the 27-year-old cager added.
Last Friday, TerraFirma pulled off the stunning trade sending Perez to the Beermen in exchange for three reserve players Angelo Alolino, Russel Escoto, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, and the eighth overall pick in the 2021 Rookie Draft.
The trade has drawn negative reactions not only from the PBA fans but also from some other team officials, prompting the Dyip and the Beermen to rework the trade by including some veteran players.
TerraFirma’s move was also questioned as Perez served as the team’s leading performer with his averages of 21.7 points. 7.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals during the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup.
As the trade transpired, Perez was with the Gilas Pilipinas players inside the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna preparing for their FIBA Asia Cup qualifier match in Doha, Qatar.
“Wala akong kontrol talaga. Wala talaga. Ang iniisip ko lang, whatever happens, happens,” said the former Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates guard.
“Basta kung ano mangyari talaga, focus lang ako dito at be prepared para maging better player at maging kondisyon. Hindi natin alam kung kailan ‘yung bubble at mag-start ‘yung PBA. Sakto lang nandito rin ako sa Gilas,” he added./ASC, WDJ