PUTNAM --- Jose Perez can be described in one word: winner. Perez a post grad from Bronx, N.Y., has already shown in the first couple weeks of school that he is the leader of this year’s Putnam Science Academy Mustangs. Perez, a 6-foot, 5-inch wing, is a transfer from Wings Academy. The product of the PSA Cardinals Nike AAU program Perez is known for his perimeter shooting ability and leadership skills. Head Coach Tom Espinosa said: “Jose is a gym rat, a type of guy who is the first one in the gym and the last to leave. When a leader is doing those things everyone else falls into line,” said Espinosa. “He is setting a great example for his younger teammates on and off the court.” Perez is looking to fill the big shoes of the leadership role left by Hamidou Diallo and Eric Ayala who have both moved onto their next destination. Perez currently holds Division 1 interest from schools such as Fordham, Hartford, Iona, and Manhattan to name a few. The coaching staff said Perez has been one of the best players thus far during open gym sessions. “When the players on the team hold each other accountable that is always a good sign and Jose along with other returnees have done a very good job of that.” Espinosa is hopeful that with the leadership of Perez along with the mix of talented post grads and underclassman the Mustangs will be among the nation’s top prep schools once again.