The 2024 PBA All-Star Game came as a huge confidence booster for CJ Perez and that was very much evident in San Miguel Beer’s 116-102 victory over Phoenix with the star point guard dazzling with season-high 32 points.

The Bacolod City festivities not only allowed Perez to finally get his in-game rhythm back but also gain more confidence in shooting from deep after drilling seven four-pointers on his way to a 39-point eruption in the 140-140 stalemate between Team Barroca and Team Japeth.

SMB head coach Jorge Gallent pointed out that Perez looked more comfortable taking the three-point shot now after the splendid performance in the All-Star Game.

“He realized that he’s a shooter after the All-Star Game. I guess the four-point shots gave him the confidence to shoot treys now,” Gallent said of his prime guard who nailed four triples in SMB’s third win in as many games.

Gallent, though, was the least surprised by Perez’s good shooting clip, knowing full well how much work the 30-year-old player had put in. The only thing Perez needs, according to Gallent, is the confidence to take the shot.

“CJ always does his skills work in practice. He comes early. He shoots early and after practice he stays there and shoots. What I’m saying is he’s developing his three-point shot which we are very happy about,” said Gallent.

“He is a slasher. He’s quick but the only thing he needs is the confidence in his three-point shots and he’s gonna be a hard guy to stop,” added the veteran mentor.

For Perez’s part, he said he finally got his rhythm offensively through the All-Star Game after admittedly struggling in the first two games which resulted in limited minutes off the bench.

“Medyo naghehesitate ako talaga (nung first two games) mas nakukuha ko yung rhythm ko kapag umaatake ako sabi nga ni coach, just be confident na itira yung threes so ayun ngayon pumapasok siya hopefully sa mga susunod na games din,” said Perez.