Gilas Pilipinas: CJ Perez, Robert Bolick ‘perfect’ for int’l game, says Paul Lee

Gilas Pilipinas veteran guard Paul Lee had high regard for the pair of national team rookies CJ Perez and Robert Bolick, going as far as to saying they are “perfect” for an international basketball team.

“Sobrang perfect nila sa international team. Both of them nakakatira sa labas, magaling dumiskarte sa court,” said Lee after one of Gilas’ practice sessions at the Meralco Gym. “Yun lang naman ang ano doon e. Yung decision making nila, okay din.”

Lee, who has participated in the 2014 FIBA World Cup and could be lined up for his 2nd straight World Cup stint, also added the point guard position for Gilas is already secured for 2023.

“I think hindi lang tayo ready sa darating na World Cup, raedy na tayo sa next sa 2023. For me, okay na yun,” he said.

The Philippines will be co-hosting the 2023 FIBA World Cup along with Japan and Indonesia.

Given that Lee may already be past his prime in the future, the Magnolia Hotshots combo guard also mentioned the playmaking abilities of Perez and Bolick is vital to have in the international game and for future Gilas teams.

“Sina CJ and Robert, magaling gumawa ng sitwasyon. Very big yun, maymga player na tayong maaasahan sa international at a young age. Sobrang positive yun for us and sa buong bansa,” said Lee. “Steady na yung point guard position mo. Ang importante is yung experience nila sa international every year.”

But focusing on the present, Lee just hopes the squad will be able to become an even better unit before the 2019 World Cup tips off in China.

“We gained a lot of experience sa trip namin sa Spain. Nakita rin namin ano weaknesses na kailangan i-improve. Bago sana dumating yung World Cup, maitama.”