AN injury to CJ Perez nearly had him skipping the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualifiers.
Meaning, Gilas Pilipinas almost missed 16 points in its gutsy overtime triumph over Jordan.
A hurting groin was this close to keeping the San Miguel guard from being lined up as part of the Philippines' 12-man roster for the start of the qualifiers' second round.
Gilas coach Tim Cone said it was actually doubtful if the former NCAA MVP out of Lyceum would be able to play for the national team.
"CJ was not playing the last three games of the PBA (50th Season Governors' Cup)," he recalled. "We're not even sure if he'll be able to join us."
Indeed, that injury denied Perez from keeping his streak of consecutive PBA games played at 297, leaving him one shy from tying Dante Gonzalgo at sixth time on the all-time list.
Good for Gilas
But Perez's personal loss was the Philippines' gain.
The former PBA Best Player of the Conference went out and took over for the Filipinos in the second half against Jordan.
He scored all of his 16 points after halftime and kept Gilas toe-to-toe with the Falcons before issuing the clutch assist to Kevin Quiambao for the go-ahead basket at 82-79.
"We have to make a bunch of calls to make sure if he would play for us," said Cone of Perez.
Good thing Perez was ready to play.
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