Gilas Pilipinas received a boost in their preparations for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers as star guard CJ Perez joined the team’s practice session at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna. However, the towering presence of June Mar Fajardo was notably absent as he continues to recuperate from a calf injury sustained during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Perez, fresh off his stellar performance in the PBA finals where he helped lead San Miguel to victory over Magnolia, wasted no time in rejoining the national team as they gear up for international competition. His presence adds depth and firepower to the Gilas lineup, providing valuable experience and skill on both ends of the floor.

While Perez’s return is a welcome development for Gilas, Fajardo’s absence raises concerns about his availability for the upcoming qualifiers. The six-time PBA MVP is still nursing his injury and is expected to take some time before fully recovering and rejoining the team.

“CJ is here. June Mar is still recovering from an injury sustained in the finals,” confirmed team manager Richard Del Rosario, shedding light on the current status of the two players.

Fajardo underwent a scheduled check-up following Game Six of the PBA finals to assess the extent of his calf injury. Despite expressing his desire to join Gilas after the conclusion of the series, Fajardo’s priority is his recovery, with plans to briefly return home to Cebu to visit his late mother before reuniting with the national team.

Both Perez and Fajardo are integral members of the 12-man pool selected by head coach Tim Cone to represent the Philippines in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.