CJ Perez and Justin Chua became the latest PBA players to join Gilas Pilipinas in its training camp in Calamba, Laguna for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

The two players arrived at the Inspire Sports Academy on Friday, January 15 as the national team prepares for the third and final window, which the country will host in Clark, Pampanga in February.

Chua confirmed the development.

Both players saw action in the first window of the qualifiers last year, contributing in a 30-point demolition of Indonesia.

Perez had 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists against Indonesia. Chua added 6 points and 3 rebounds.

They both had stellar individual campaigns in the previous PBA season.

Despite failing to reach the playoffs, Terrafirma’s Perez is in contention for the Best Player of the Conference award, while Phoenix’s Chua vies for the Most Improved Player plum.

“I’m blessed and happy that I was recognized again, probably because of my performance in the [PBA] bubble,” Chua told Rappler in Filipino.

“I’ll do my best to earn a spot in the team and of course help the cadets.”

Other PBA players are set to join Chua, Perez, and Kiefer Ravena next week.

At the top of Group A with an immaculate 3-0 record, Gilas Pilipinas needs to win at least 1 of its 3 games in the third window to clinch a berth for the FIBA Asia Cup.

The Philippines will face South Korea and Indonesia in Pampanga. – Rappler.com