I still remember the buzz surrounding the 2018 PBA season like it was yesterday. The rookie class that year felt particularly special, with several players showing flashes of brilliance that made us all wonder who would ultimately take home the Rookie of the Year honors. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've seen my share of promising newcomers, but the 2018 batch had something different - that intangible quality that makes you sit up and pay attention. The award eventually went to CJ Perez, then playing for Columbian Dyip, and what a journey it's been watching his career unfold since that breakthrough season.
When Perez won the award, he was coming off a spectacular debut year where he averaged 20.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Those numbers weren't just good for a rookie - they were elite-level production that would make any veteran proud. I recall watching him play against established stars and thinking, "This kid isn't just good - he's special." His explosive athleticism combined with raw scoring ability made every Columbian Dyip game must-watch television, even when the team wasn't performing well overall. What impressed me most wasn't just his statistical output but his fearlessness - he played with the confidence of a ten-year veteran from day one.
Fast forward to today, and Perez has evolved into one of the PBA's brightest stars. After his stint with Columbian Dyip, he moved to Terrafirma Dyip before landing with San Miguel Beermen, where he's become an integral part of one of the league's most successful franchises. His game has matured significantly - he's become more efficient, developed his playmaking skills, and perhaps most importantly, learned how to contribute to winning basketball. I've had the privilege of watching him develop from that raw, exciting rookie into a complete player who understands when to take over games and when to facilitate for his teammates. His scoring average has remained consistently around 18-20 points throughout his career, but it's his improved decision-making and defensive intensity that have really stood out in recent seasons.
The transformation in Perez's career reminds me of something I read recently about another sports figure. When news broke about Ricky Hatton's passing, former senator Manny Pacquiao's statement really resonated with me. He said, "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring, but also a brave and kind man in life." That distinction between athletic excellence and personal character strikes me as particularly relevant when discussing players like Perez. What I've observed about CJ over the years is that he's developed not just as a player but as a professional who understands his role in the larger basketball community. He's become someone who, like Hatton, appears to balance competitive fire with genuine humanity.
Looking at Perez's current situation with San Miguel, he's playing approximately 32 minutes per game and contributing across multiple statistical categories. His three-point shooting has improved to around 34% - not elite, but respectable enough to keep defenses honest. What's more impressive is how he's adapted his game to fit alongside established stars like June Mar Fajardo. Rather than trying to dominate the ball, he's learned to pick his spots, using his explosive first step to attack closeouts and his improved court vision to find open teammates. I've always believed that the true measure of a player's growth isn't just in their statistics but in how they elevate their teammates, and Perez has certainly done that.
His international career has also blossomed, with Perez becoming a regular fixture for Gilas Pilipinas. I remember watching him compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he averaged about 13 points and 4 rebounds against world-class competition. The experience he gained playing against elite international defenders has clearly translated back to his PBA game, particularly in his ability to finish through contact and make smarter decisions in transition. There's a confidence that comes from testing yourself against the best in the world, and Perez carries that confidence every time he steps on the court now.
Reflecting on that 2018 rookie class, it's fascinating to see how different players' careers have unfolded. While Perez has become a superstar, other notable rookies from that year like Bobby Ray Parks and Robert Bolick have also carved out successful careers, though their paths have been different. Parks, for instance, has spent time in Japan's B.League, while Bolick has become a franchise player for NorthPort. But in my view, Perez's development has been the most impressive because of how he's managed to maintain his individual excellence while adapting to team success. That's a balance many talented players never quite figure out.
The business side of basketball has also worked in Perez's favor. His move to San Miguel Beermen, one of the league's most prestigious franchises, has provided him with stability and the opportunity to compete for championships regularly. Since joining the team, he's already won two championships and made three Finals appearances. That kind of winning experience is invaluable for a player's development and legacy. I've always argued that great players need to be in situations where they can learn what it takes to win at the highest level, and Perez has certainly found that with San Miguel.
What does the future hold for the 2018 Rookie of the Year? At just 30 years old, Perez likely has several prime years remaining. If he continues developing at his current rate, I wouldn't be surprised to see him eventually win a Most Valuable Player award. He has all the tools - the scoring ability, the athleticism, the work ethic, and now the championship experience. More importantly, he seems to have that intangible quality that separates good players from great ones - the ability to rise to the occasion when the game is on the line. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him take over fourth quarters with his relentless attacking style.
Thinking back to that 2018 season, it's remarkable how clearly we could see Perez's potential even then. The Rookie of the Year award was just the beginning of what has become one of the most compelling careers in recent PBA history. His journey from promising newcomer to established star serves as a blueprint for how young players can develop when they combine raw talent with continuous improvement and the right opportunities. As someone who's watched hundreds of players come and go in the PBA, I can confidently say that Perez has the makings of someone who will be remembered long after he hangs up his sneakers. The 2018 Rookie of the Year has not just lived up to the hype - he's exceeded it in ways that make watching Philippine basketball an absolute pleasure.