DESPITE failing to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the recent Asian Games, Jason Perkins cherished the experience of training with the core of the gold medal-winning team.
And his biggest takeaway of being part of the national team training pool?
Guarding Justin Brownlee in practice on a daily basis.
Jason Perkins on guarding Justin Brownlee in Gilas practice
“I got to guard Justin Brownlee every day. What better defensive training to have than guarding Justin,” said the 31-year-old Perkins in the PBA Media Day at the Esplanade on Tuesday.
The Phoenix forward was initially among the four players brought in by coach Tim Cone along with Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, and Mo Tautuaa to reinforce the core of the Gilas team that competed in the FIBA World Cup.
But less than two weeks before the 19th edition of the Asiad, Perkins and Co. had to be pulled out of the team since they hadn’t been a part of the 37-man list submitted by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.
In place of them were Kevin Alas, Marci Lassiter, Chris Ross, and CJ Perez.
Perkins admitted being hurt by the turn of events that denied him of a chance to don the national colors.
But seeing the guys balled in China and eventually ended a 61-year gold drought for the country turned the pain into satisfaction.
“They did really great. I am very happy for all of those guys. Really, really nice guys. I’m so proud of them,” said Perkins, who admitted being just as shocked as everybody when Gilas stunned host China in the semifinals, 77-76, after trailing by as many as 21 points.
At the same time, playing for Cone and practicing with the national team was the best off-season training he had heading to the PBA’s 48th season.
“If anything, it helped me prepare for the coming season,” Perkins said. “It was one of the best experiences I had. There was a lot of fun.”
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