MANILA, Philippines – CJ Perez, the player who became known as the "Baby Beast," made his much-awaited debut for the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Thursday, scoring eight points and grabbing eight rebounds despite playing just 12 minutes.

Ateneo defeated Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 66-53, giving Perez a winning debut after waiting for more than one year to finally play for the Katipunan squad.

"Medyo ninerbyos kasi first time ko maglaro sa kanila," Perez admitted after the game. "Masaya na ako doon, para sa first game ko."

Perez, who transferred from San Sebastian College after the NCAA Season 89 tournament, showed flashes of his athleticism, going up for rebounds and running hard in transition. Ateneo deputy coach Sandy Arespacochaga was impressed, especially as he noted that Perez knew at most only 50% of the Blue Eagles' plays.

"Hindi pa nga 50% eh," Perez said when informed of his coach's comments. "Mga nasa 30% pa lang kasi kaka-practice ko pa lang kahapon and wala pa ako masyado sa kundisyon ko."

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Perez said he plans to focus more on the defensive end as he continues to learn the Ateneo system. The explosive guard attempted nine shots on Thursday and made only three, missing both of his three-point attempts.

"He played very well, considering he had a long layoff," Arespacochaga said.

Perez, who joined several minor tournaments with Ateneo's Team B during his residency year, hopes to continue improving as they march towards the UAAP season – where he believes he can build up his name anew after a year away from the spotlight.

"Naisip ko na rin 'yun, na parang makakalimutan ako ng tao," said Perez, "Pero sa tingin ko, babalik naman 'yun pagdating ng UAAP."

Once there, Perez wants to make his own name, moving away from the "Baby Beast" moniker that was given to him back in San Sebastian, when he was teammates with the original "Beast" – Calvin Abueva.

"Idol ko rin talaga si Calvin," Perez said. "Pero siguro mas maganda kung gagawa na rin (ako) ng sariling pangalan."

Given how Perez performed in just his very first game, the Ateneo coaches have high hopes for him.

"He's a very good basketball player," said Arespacochaga. "We were impressed. The good thing is he fits, he's a good team player, and he fits into what we want to achieve. He complements his teammates well."

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