Munzon surprised CJ got traded

MANILA, Philippines — Potential No. 1 draft pick Joshua Munzon lamented the foiled possibility of forming a dreaded trio with CJ Perez and Roosevelt Adams in Terrafirma granting the squad picks him first in the stacked 2021 PBA Rookie Draft On March 14.

The 6-foot-4 guard, who is the country’s No. 1 3x3 player, said he was looking forward to playing with Perez and Adams – who were likewise the Dyip’s top selections in the 2018 and 2019 draft, respectively -- until the blockbuster trade happened last week.

“I was surprised. Leading up to that, I thought I might get to play with CJ and Roosevelt. I thought that would be a fun lineup to see if they pick me,” Munzon said in The Chasedown on Cignal TV yesterday.

Perez, the former Rookie of the Year and two-time scoring champion, got shipped to San Miguel in exchange for three players and two first round picks, including this year’s No. 8 selection. Adams is still with Terrafirma.

Munzon’s impending arrival at Terrafirma may usher in a new era for the team and turn its fortunes around starting this 46th Season.

After a long drought at the cellar of the Asia’s oldest pro league.

And he’s ready for it.

“I’m very excited to walk in there (if they pick me). I think I can come in and contribute, build chemistry and hopefully win some games and be competitive in the league. That would be a great opportunity,” added Munzon, boasting solid credentials with stints in ABL, D-League, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas and FIBA 3x3 World Tours.

More than his looming trip with the Dyip though, Munzon can’t hide his excitement to get the ball rolling and test his mettle against the finest PBA guards led by Stanley Pringle, Matthew Wright and Ray Parks Jr.

“I’m excited to play against the top guards in this league. For me. I’m ready for everybody.”