CJAY Perez remains bothered by the ankle injury that he sustained during Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 last August.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria said Perez has yet to take part in team practices, settling for individual workouts and shooting after sustaining a Grade 3 sprain in his right ankle during Gilas’ game against Saudi Arabia in the FIBA Asia Cup.
“Pagdating niya, nakita namin ‘yung result ng kanyang MRI. It’s a Grade 3 sprain,” said Austria during Thursday’s PBA Media Day at Centris, Quezon City. “Pagdating niya, nakita ko na maga pa rin after a month.”
READ Coach Chot confirms Jio Jalalon trying out for TNT roster spot
“He is doing well sa individual practice, workout pero hindi siya nakakasabay pa sa team workout,” Austria said.
Austria said Perez’s timetable for a return to practice remains unknown, and he could possibly be on minutes restriction early in the 50th Season Philippine Cup.
“Tinatanong ko siya kung makakahabol siya. Ngayon pa lang, gusto na niya maglaro pero our PTs, pinagbawalan siya. Hindi siya sumasama sa 3-on-3, 4-on-4, 5-on-5. Individual skills and shooting lang,” said Austria.
“As much as possible, first few games, limited time siguro. We don’t know yet,” said Austria.
Perez said he has been doing rehab since August.
“Medyo okay na pero hindi pa ako nakakapag-practice. Nagre-rehab pa. Hindi pa alam kung kalian makakabalik,” said Perez, who will now sport a short hair for the coming season.
Perez remained hopeful that he can play for the Beermen’s first game of the season.
“I hope bago mag-first game namin, makahabol ako. Ngayon talaga, nagre-rehab pa at strengthening,” said Perez.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
