Coach Aldin Ayo confirms Cansino's departure but declines to comment further
Teams are reportedly scrambling for the acquisition of prized University of Santo Tomas player CJ Cansino following his stunning departure from the Tigers’ den.
Ateneo, La Salle, University of the Philippines and UST’s sister school Letran have reportedly expressed interest in the 6-foot-2 skipper who spearheaded the Tigers to a finals appearance last season.
UST coach Aldin Ayo confirmed Cansino’s exit, but offered no details.
READ: From España to Diliman: CJ Cansino transfers to UP
In a statement first published by the Tiebreaker Times', 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 UAAP Juniors MVP for 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.”