DURING Game Six of the PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup Finals, San Miguel looked like a well-oiled machine especially during the final minutes when the Beermen made the title-clinching comeback.
But unknown to many, a heated moment erupted on the San Miguel bench.
During the second quarter of Game Six, San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent and CJ Perez were seen arguing after the latter got his fourth foul of the game.
READ CJ Perez gets just rewards for non-stop Gilas-San Miguel duty
Before that, a wide-open Perez passed up a three-point shot and instead passed inside to Bennie Boatwright, leading to an interception by Abueva. Perez suffered a double-whammy by fouling Abueva to stop a potential fastbreak play.
Gallent decided to take Perez out of the game, much to the chagrin of the Best Player of the Conference. San Miguel consultant Leo Austria and veteran Chris Ross were later seen talking to Perez to try and pacify him.
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Minutes later, the tension was diffused as Perez was seen approaching Gallent to talk things out.
When asked about the moment, the two said the argument was definitely nothing personal.
“We just shouted for five to six seconds,” said Gallent.
In the end, Gallent said all he ever wanted was for Perez, who he calls as a son, to become a better player by making better decisions.
“Then, it is done. Once we shout, and once CJ turns his back and once I turn my back, it’s done. It’s over. He is a son that is hard-headed. Because I was telling him to take the shot, he doesn’t want to take it. He is a good shooter,” said Gallent.
Perez also didn’t take the argument personally.
“Siyempre, ‘yung nag-argue kami, hindi kami nag-argue para sa sarili namin. Sinabi sa akin kung ano gagawin ko. I just follow. Ganun talaga pag mga ganung usapan. Tatay talaga, nag-aaway. Pero sumusunod pa din,” said Perez.
Argument fires up Perez
The incident sparked Perez offensively as he turned from a hesitant shooter into his usual deadly self as he exploded for 24 of his playoff career-high 28 points in the second half after prematurely getting into foul trouble.
He eventually won the Finals MVP award.
Looking back, the former Lyceum Pirates star admitted he also needed those reminders as he was flat in the first half.
“That first half kanina, that was not me. Hindi ako ‘yun kasi nawawala ako, hindi ako aggressive pumunta sa basket and take those shots. Nung second half, pinush ako nila coach, Chris Ross, Jericho [Cruz], sinabi nila sa akin na kaya ko,” said Perez.
“I always cherish those kind of moments kay coach Jorge. Sabi nga niya, hard-headed. Minsan hindi ako namamasa pero ngayon, pasa ako ng pasa. I’m always grateful na I have him as a head coach,” said Perez.
Overall, Gallent is happy with the progress of Perez as his hardwork bore fruit in a conference where he won the Best Player of the Conference and Finals MVP all at the same time.
“He is getting matured already and I love it. All of this success, I love,” said Gallent.
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