By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
TOP rookie picks in the recent Philippine Basketball Association draft collide in league action today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
CJ Perez, the top overall pick in the rookie draft, leads his Columbian Dyip (1-1) against Robert Bolick (third pick) and the Northport Batang Pier (1-0) in the Philippine Cup curtain-raiser at 4:30 p.m.
Playing in the main game at 7 p.m., meanwhile, are the Meralco Bolts (1-1) and defending champions San Miguel Beermen (1-1).
Today’s game marks the first time that collegiate rivals Perez and Bolick will face each other in the local professional league.
The last time that the two met was in the finals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association finals last year where Mr. Bolick and the San Beda Red Lions swept Mr. Perez and the Lyceum Pirates to claim the title.
Mr. Perez is currently averaging 18 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and a block in his first two games.
They are coming off a 108-98 loss at the hands of the league-leading Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters on Wednesday.
The top overall pick had his struggles in the contest but still managed to post all-around numbers of 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Columbian is looking to bounce back in its second straight match to keep in step with the early league leaders.
Mr. Bolick, meanwhile, is having a solid start for the Batang Pier, who he has helped with an unblemished 2-0 record.
The Northport guard has been good for 20 points per ball game while also providing stability in the backcourt of the Batang Pier.
The latest of the victories of Northport was over the NLEX Road Warriors, 95-90, on Jan. 20.
Mr. Bolick had 14 points in said game as they marched on to the victory to keep their slate clean.
Despite having it steady early in his PBA career, Mr. Bolick said the learning continues for him.
“I’m still learning the game in the PBA. This is just my second game and I still need to adjust,” Mr. Bolick said.
The Northport rookie’s back is supported by his coach Pido Jarencio, who said Mr. Bolick is doing it all for them.
“He is a steady player. He listens and thinks about his every move. He is a team player who can defend, hustle and hit three-pointers,” said the Northport coach about their prized rookie.
Meanwhile, in the second game, the Bolts and Beermen go for their second straight win after barging through the win column in their last outing.
Meralco is off a 99-94 win over the Blackwater Elite on Jan. 19 while San Miguel is a 99-91 winner against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings on Jan. 20.

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