Coach Bo Perasol confirms Cansino's move to the Maroons' side
CJ Cansino is bringing his act from España to Diliman.
Less than a day after Cansino announced his stunning departure from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), University of the Philippines quickly pounced on the situation and recruited the former UAAP high school Most Valuable Player to its fold.
UP coach Bo Perasol confirmed this in a text message to the media, making the Maroons a formidable force in the next season.
Cansino became the latest hot player to be recruited to 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.
“CJ will be a great addition to ensuring the sustainability of the program, especially with possibly just one player left from last season playing for Season 84. I will personally help him make the transition to being a Fighting Maroon,” said Perasol in a statement.
“CJ will definitely enjoy his stay in UP.”
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 offer any more details.
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 rason, 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.