Columbian eyes Jaymar Perez as top draft pick

MANILA, Philippines — Jaymar “CJ” Perez, the energetic Fil-Am forward set to see action for a second straight NCAA Finals, is Columbian Dyip’s prospect as top choice in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft slated Dec. 16.

“We’ll draft him and we’ll keep him,” Columbian Dyip top official Bobby Rosales told The STAR.

Perez led seven Fil-foreign players that made themselves available for the coming draft. Meanwhile, home-grown talents have until Dec. 3 to apply for the draft.

But this early, the Columbian Dyip bosses have made up their mind Perez is the best choice. 

“There are no big guys in the pool which is replete with guards and forwards. Perez is our choice. I think he has a good potential, a good future. Hinog na hinog na yan,” Rosales said.

Bobby Ray Parks and San Beda’s Robert Bolick could well be two other bright prospects in the draft. Other Fil-foreign players who have listed up are Matthew Salem, Carlos Isit, Paul Varilla, Robbie Manalang, Trevis Jackson and John Ragasa.

With so much great attributes, Perez is a standout in the list.

The 6-foot-3 forward, turning 25 on Nov. 17, has shown his stuff with the national team in the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge in Tehran, Iran. He put in averages of 9.5 points, 1.8 assists and 1.3 assists while playing with future PBA players Mac Belo, Kevin Ferrer, RR Pogoy, Mike Tolomia, Ed Daquioag and others.

Columbian Dyip intends to sign Perez and is also looking at possible trade deals to shore up the team’s roster power.

“We still have commitment with our coaches. But there will definitely be changes in the team. We’ll see who are available. Most probably, we will have two to three new guys,” said Rosales.

For the second straight year, Columbian Dyip is the first to pick in the draft, coming in with the worst cumulative win-loss record from the past season.

Last year, they opted to deal away their draft rights to San Miguel Beer which used it to select Christian Standhardinger.

No. 2 in the draft order could well be Blackwater or Meralco.