Introduction
Christian Jaymar Perez (born November 17, 1993) is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Columbian Dyip of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He was selected 1st overall in the 2018 PBA draft by Columbian Dyip.
Early life
Although born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, CJ lives and grew up in Pangasinan, Philippines.
College career
CJ Perez played for San Sebastian College – Recoletos Stags, Ateneo De Manila Blue Eagles and Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.
In his final college season, he averaged a league-best 19.3 points per game, while grabbing 6.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists while leading the Pirates to an 18-game sweep of the eliminations, where they were eventually beaten by San Beda in the Finals.
Professional career
PBA D-League
Perez played for Zark's Burger-Lyceum, which is composed of the core of the Pirates that won 18 straight games in the NCAA Season 93 tournament before losing in the Finals to the San Beda Red Lions. He lead Zark's Burger-Lyceum to the Finals averaging 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 steals to the championship round. He was named as the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Conference Most Valuable Player.
Columbian Dyip (2018–present)
On December 16, 2018, Perez was selected first overall by the Columbian Dyip in the 2018 PBA draft. In his first career game, he scored 26 points in a win against the San Miguel Beermen.
Player profile
Perez's game has been primarily influenced by Calvin Abueva, to the point where he notes them as his favorite player at the game. His rebounding and aggressiveness has been compared positively to Calvin Abueva's college years at San Sebastian College – Recoletos.