CJ Perez praises San Miguel teammate Jericho Cruz for stepping up for both club and country

The San Miguel Beermen have opened the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup in strong form, compiling a 5–2 record to climb to second place in the standings.

Their momentum continued on Wednesday, November 12, after a dominant 158–117 victory over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers at the Ynares Center in Montalban. The star backcourt duo of CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz powered the blowout, combining for 50 points. Perez knocked down three four-pointers while Cruz shot an impressive 8-of-9 from the field.

But the two Beermen will soon switch from teammates to opponents, as Perez and Cruz prepare to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas and Guam, respectively, in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

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Speaking after the win, Perez praised Cruz for taking on bigger responsibilities for his national team and adjusting quickly to his role.

CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz savor the final minutes of San Miguel’s 158-117 rout of Titan Ultra in the PBA Philippine Cup on the bench. The two will be foes as Gilas Pilipinas and Guam meet twice in the first window of the World Cup Qualifiers. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/mONNfCE8GY

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) November 12, 2025

“Kinokontrata ko nang huwag na siya maglaro para mas madali. Hindi. Joke lang. Siyempre si Jericho, iba ‘yung role na doon parang siya ‘yung tinitingnan din ng mga player doon. Proud ako doon kasi maiba ‘yung role na dito and nakakapag-adjust siya kaagad sa Guam,” Perez said.

“So ayun ‘yung match up naman doon, siyempre team effort. Alam naman natin si coach Tim kung paano mag-prepare sa defense,” he added.

Perez, who is expected to return to action for Gilas in the coming window, remains hopeful that the squad can compete at full strength.

“I think actually hindi pa namin siya sobrang 100 percent ‘yung injury pero malapit na. And ‘yun na pagbabalik sa Gilas, I’m just going to do my best na makatulong sa team. Alam ko naman kung anong role ko doon so tutulong lang ako. Siyempre, sabi ko nga, it’s basketball, di natin alam kung anong mangyayari. And hopefully maganda ‘yung run namin sa Guam,” he concluded.

Perez previously suffered an ankle injury while playing against Saudi Arabia in the FIBA Asia Cup. The guard aims to be fully ready this time as the Philippines prepares for its upcoming double-header against Guam. Gilas plays on the road on November 28 before hosting the rematch on December 1.

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