With the UAAP season around the corner, the teams that will represent the Green-and-White have begun to dominate the headlines once more. Now, it’s time to shift our focus to the players that compose these teams. The Green Journal hopes to bring readers closer to the players by revealing the athletes’ personal perspectives. Here in the inaugural Green Journal for this year, we set our sights on one of the Green Archers’ newest recruits: Jason Perkins.
Hailing from Minnesota, Perkins served his residency last year playing for DLSU in pocket tournaments like the Father Martin’s Cup. Now that he is finally eligible for the UAAP, he is ready to bring his physical play to the bright lights and the screaming fans that await him for the rest of the season.
The last time I was here in the Philippines was when I was in the third grade. I couldn’t come back again because it was quite expensive, but when I first got the chance to do so, my immediate thought was, “What is up with this weather?” With me being from Minnesota, where it’s freezing cold and where there’s more snow than grass, I have never been anywhere near a place this hot, except maybe a sauna.
When I arrived at practice, everyone was really kind, all the way up to the players, coaches, and even the physical therapists. Since I started playing, it’s been difficult adjusting to the heat of the gym, but I’m used to it now as well as the style of play here, I caught on. There were a lot of different things I had to get used to both on and off the court, but the team, staff, and managers helped me adjust to them. The best experiences here so far mostly happen when I just hang out with my teammates; we’ve had a lot of good times and they’re just a fun bunch of guys.
The most difficult thing that happened to me since coming over was learning that my father became ill. When I heard the news, it was hard especially since I was in a different country. When I later went back to see him, he passed away then I eventually came back to the Philippines. It was hard to come back because my family was over there and we had to be there for each other, but my teammates as well as a lot of other people here were there for me.
Everyone at this school just supports each other, everyone says hi to each other and they help each other out. The other day, I had no umbrella and it was raining, but someone just offered to walk with me to [Enrique] Razon [Sports Complex] under an umbrella. Also the support has been great. I’ve never played in front of more than 300 people so that’s a big difference too.
Basketball gets so much attention here in the Philippines, almost everyone loves basketball. If the Fil-Oil [Flying V Preseason Tournament] was loud, I wonder what the UAAP will be like. The Fil-Oil was a lot of fun, my mother got to watch so that was really nice. Also my family, who I rarely see, drove all the way from Bolinao, Pangasinan to watch. The Fil-Oil was an overall good experience for me because I got to play with my teammates and get used to their style of play, and get used to the environment as well.
We didn’t get as far as we wanted to in the Fil-Oil, but we got better as players and as a team that was one of the main goals that we had. It really helped us prepare for the UAAP. For the UAAP we’re going to work hard, execute and try to get as far as we can. I’m very excited to play and hear “Animo La Salle!” all over the MOA Arena.
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Who exactly is Jason Perkins? Find out about the Green Archers’ recruit at this link:http://thelasallian.com/2013/06/11/green-gallery-jason-perkins-the-hefty-lefty/
The second part of Perkins’ journal follows here:
http://thelasallian.com/2013/08/02/green-journal-jason-perkins-v-2/
Check out the third edition of his journal here:
http://thelasallian.com/2013/09/12/green-journal-jason-perkins-v-3/
The fourth and most recent edition of Perkins’ journal:
http://thelasallian.com/2013/09/30/green-journal-jason-perkins-v-4/
Perkins will continue writing his journal for The LaSallian. You can follow the rest of his journey monthly athttp://thelasallian.com
One reply on “Green Journal: Jason Perkins v.1”
Hefty Lefty is no doubt an all-around great guy. His kindness and greatness transcends both on and off the court. He works hard, plays hard, and is focused. It’s nice to have such character in the team. Animo La Salle! Welcome on board, J.Perk.