They may not be rooting for the same team anymore, but CJ Perez will always treasure the special bond he forged with Topex Robinson during their stint with the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in the NCAA.
The 6-foot-2 Perez was under Robinson’s tutelage in San Sebastian College-Recoletos but they parted ways back in 2014 when the former went to Ateneo de Manila University while the latter found his way to Lyceum.
A reunion between the two sparked in 2016 when Perez left Katipunan and instead went to Intramuros, where he was gladly accepted by Robinson. Ever since then, Perez will always treat Robinson not only as his basketball coach but as well as a father.
Together, they steered the Pirates to two Finals appearances in 2017 and 2018 highlighted by an 18-0 sweep of the elimination round of Season 93. Perez was also named the 2017 NCAA MVP en route to being the first overall PBA draft in 2019 by Terrafirma.
And he’s more than proud that Robinson is now at the helm of Phoenix Super LPG in the PBA.
“I'm just proud of coach Topex because even though he has a big role to fulfill now, I know very well that he can handle it,” said Perez on ‘Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96’ on Thursday.
Perez also took a walk down the memory lane and bared his most treasured times with the Pirates including that 18-0 feat and of course, the long training hours with his teammates.
“The 18-0, our heartbreak in the finals, and of course the bonding during practices,” he said when asked by hosts Martin Javier and Sophia Senoron of his unforgettable Pirate moments.
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—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News
