“I’m honored and grateful”: CJ Perez on joining the elite PBA 5,000-point club 

CJ Perez continues to solidify his status as one of the most vital pieces in the San Miguel Beermen’s lineup, combining scoring consistency with all-around impact in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The explosive guard-forward once again played a key role in helping the San Miguel Beermen return to the win column, contributing to a hard-fought 98-94 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, April 19, at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

Although his stat line of 13 points, nine rebounds, and two assists may not fully capture his overall influence on the game, Perez delivered a historic milestone late in the contest. With just nine seconds remaining, he converted a layup that not only helped seal the win but also pushed him past the 5,000-point mark in his PBA career.

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The achievement officially placed Perez among the league’s elite scorers, further cementing his reputation as one of the most reliable offensive weapons in Philippine basketball.

Entering the game needing just 12 points to reach the milestone, Perez reached the mark in fitting fashion—staying aggressive and focused on team success first, while the individual honor came naturally within the flow of the game.

“Pang-ilang taon ko na ba ngayon, seven? I’m honored and grateful na nakarating ako dito and we know naman since rookie year ko na I’m a scorer so I’m happy. Actually struggle talaga today parang medyo may gigil kasi yun nga, kailangan namin manalo. Pero hindi naman ako na-pressure sa 5k points. Talagang just play our game,” Perez said in the postmatch press conference.

#WATCH: CJ 5K! 🏀

CJ Perez could not help but be sentimental after reaching the 5,000-point club in #PBA50#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/NbkPYT9mgW

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— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 19, 2026

Now 32 years old, Perez becomes the 102nd player in PBA history to reach at least 5,000 career points, a testament to both his longevity and scoring efficiency since entering the league. He also becomes the 14th player in San Miguel franchise history to achieve the milestone, further linking his name with some of the organization’s greatest legends.

Among active players, Perez is only the 11th to join the exclusive club and the 97th Filipino local player overall, underscoring how rare and significant the achievement is in the context of the league’s long and storied history.

Beyond the personal milestone, Perez emphasized the importance of the victory itself, especially as San Miguel continues to search for consistency in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Beermen, currently sitting in eighth place with a 4-4 record, have struggled to meet their usual championship standards, making every win crucial in their push up the standings.

Perez’s leadership has become even more important amid roster adjustments and evolving team dynamics, particularly with the recent changes in their import situation. His ability to contribute in multiple areas—scoring, rebounding, and facilitating—has helped stabilize the Beermen during a challenging stretch.

With renewed momentum, San Miguel is now focused on building consistency as the elimination round progresses. The coaching staff has repeatedly stressed the importance of sustaining effort and execution across full games if they are to reassert themselves as legitimate title contenders.

The Beermen will look to carry their momentum forward when they face the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The matchup is expected to serve as another important test of their form and chemistry as they continue their push for a higher position in the standings.

For Perez, however, the focus remains clear—keep winning, keep improving, and let the milestones come naturally as San Miguel works its way back into championship contention.

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