BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
From España to Diliman.
Barely a day after announcing his departure from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), CJ Cansino is now committed to play for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons when the UAAP restarts next year.
UP coach Bo Perasol confirmed in a text message to the media that Cansino will be playing for his team making the Maroons a formidable force in the next season.
Cansino became the latest hot player to be recruited by the Maroons following the acquisition of National University Bullpups standouts Gerry Abadiano and Carl Tamayo early this month.
They will join a strong cast also composed of Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero.
Reports of Cansino leaving the UST Tigers’ lair came out Thursday evening before confirming early Friday with a statement that UST let him go.
UST coach Aldin Ayo confirmed Cansino’s exit, but did not elaborated
In a statement, Cansino said the team let him go, fueling speculations of having strained relationships as the cause of his exit.
“Kung bibigyan ako ng isang raso, kahit pa man sobrang daming rason na umalis ako, mag-stay ako eh kasi dream school ko ang UST,” the statement read.
“Bigyan lang nila ako ng isang rason para hindi lumipat kahit maraming rason para umalis, lalaro pa rin ako sa UST. Kaya lang tinanggal ako eh. Hindi mo naman kasi pwedeng ipagpilitan yung sarili mo.”
A product of the UST Tiger Cubs, Cansino played straight for the Tigers and averaged 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 13 games in 13 games until an ACL injury cut short his fiery rookie season.
He returned from injury more determined, joining forces with Rhenz Abando and Mark Nonoy for the Tigers’ first Finals appearance since 2015.
Despite the turn of events, Cansino thanked UST for the opportunity of making his dreams come true.
“UST is my dream school kaya nalulungkot talaga ako sa nangyari. Wala akong masabi kundi salamat sa suporta ng community, fans at admin,” he said.
“Lagi ko sinasabi na hindi ko maisip na naglalaro ako sa ibang kulay kundi dilaw lang. Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang UST.”
