Manhattan Basketball: Former Marquette guard Jose Perez commits to Jaspers

The Jaspers are getting a much-needed upgrade after once again another down season. Former Gardner Webb and Marquette guard Jose Perez announced he will be transferring to Manhattan Basketball.

With the NCAA’s recent change and this being Perez’s second transfer, he will need a waiver to be eligible next season. With Perez being a Bronx native, I would imagine his wavier being passed and for him to be inserted into the starting lineup on day one.

The move up to a Power 6 school didn’t play out exactly how Perez imagined. In limited action, he averaged only 3.1 points per game and under 1 rebound and assist. He struggled to see the court at times and never really got going when his name was called. His eight points, 2-rebound, and 1 assist outing vs DePaul was really the only game where everything seemed to click.

With not really being able to meet with coaches in person the last offseason, situations like this were bound to happen. There is no real blame to be had just not the fit that was previously anticipated.

Back at Gardner Webb, Perez was one of the best players in the Big South Conference. In his last season with the Bulldogs, he averaged over 15 points, six rebounds, and dished out a little over four assists. He saw a dip in his three-point percentage from his freshman year to his sophomore year but is certainly capable of knocking down some open looks. He plays a lot bigger than his 6’4 frame is a “junkyard dog” kind of player. Reminds me a lot of the best guy and best trash talker at an upstate outdoor pickup game.

Perez will be joining a Manhatten program that as of now will be bringing back their top 5 scorers from a year ago. Finishing 7-13 and 6-12 in MAAC play, Perez should give the Jaspers a push to compete with the top of the conference. Outside of Monmouth, the MAAC is dominated by slow-paced teams and with Perez coming from a Garnder Webb program that was in the bottom 100 at pace of play, he should be able to come in and play fluidly from the get-go.

Don’t get me wrong, Iona will still be the heavy favorite to win the MAAC in 2020-2021. But with the addition of Perez and virtually all the Jaspers scoring returning next season, I would expect them to be right up there when it’s all said and done. Or at the worst case being a tough out in the MAAC tournament.