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San Miguel Beermen's CJ Perez. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News
MANILA – San Miguel Beermen's CJ Perez has a new look this season, but his goal to win championships for his team remains unchanged.
The San Miguel standout drew attention during the PBA Media Day on Thursday, sporting a shorter hairstyle.
When asked about the reason behind the change, Perez said it's nothing deep.
"Ano lang, para bago lang sa paninigin ng fans. Siyempre 50th ng PBA baka naghahanap sila ng bago. Wala lang naisipan ko lang. Ginawa ko na para di na mapaisip pa," he told reporters.
In pop culture references and beliefs, having new hair means new life or major changes. But for Perez, his drive to win remains the same.
"Ganun pa rin naman goal. Personally, magiging consistent lang ako sa ginagawa ko para makatulong sa team. Siyempre yung championship talaga. Yun naman main goal ko talaga habang maaga pa sa career ko makapanalo ako ng madaming championship," he said.
The Predator shared he did not cut his hair for five years to preserve the long dreads. He jokingly said his head feels lighter and may help his game.
"Nakakalungkot rin. Pero happy naman kasi gumaan na ako," he said. "Baka ngayong conference maka-dunk na ako. Wala akong dunk nung nakaraang conference eh."
UPDATE ON CJ’S INJURY
Perez has yet to fully recover from the ankle injury he suffered during his tour of duty for Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA Asia Cup last August.
"Medyo okay na pero di pa ako nagkakapag-practice eh. Nag-rerehab pa. Add di pa alam kelan makakabalik. Nagpapagaling pa," he said.
San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said Perez has yet to join team practice, but has been doing individual workouts and shooting.
According to the MRI result, Austria said Perez suffered a Grade 3 sprain in his right ankle during the Gilas game against Saudi Arabia.
"Pagdating niya, nakita ko na maga pa rin after a month. He is doing well sa individual practice, workout pero hindi siya nakakasabay pa sa team workout," he said.
Both Austria and Perez could not give a definite timetable for his return.
"Tinatanong ko siya kung makakahabol siya. Ngayon pa lang, gusto na niya maglaro pero our PTs, pinagbawalan siya. In-assure niya kami na hindi kaya ko maglaro. But of course may intention siya to not aggravate his situation," the San Miguel coach said.
"Ayaw natin tumagal yun eh. As much as possible, first few games, limited time siguro. We don’t know yet," he added.
Perez said he continues to undergo rehab in the hopes of recovering in time for the Beermen's first game for the season.
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