CJ Cansino makes his jump to the professional scene after signing with the Iloilo United Royals in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, the team announced on social media on Friday, Jan. 12.

"Please welcome the newest member of the Royal family. Former King Maroon, CJ Cansino," the team's Facebook page wrote.

Cansino is expected to banner the Visayas squad, which bowed out to last season’s bridesmaid Bacoor City Strikers, 2-1, in the Southern division playoffs. 

The 24-year-old talisman came from a disappointing loss with the UP Fighting Maroons against the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP finals.

Cansino led the Fighting Maroons in scoring in Season 86 as he averaged 12.5 points along with 3.2 rebounds per game in his final year. 

The 6-foot-2 guard bannered the UST Growling Tigers alongside Rhenz Abando and Mark Nonoy in Season 82 Finals but were swept by Thirdy Ravena and the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

He then transferred to UP in Season 84, where the Fighting Maroons won the championship and broke their 36-year title drought.

Cansino sat out in Season 85 after suffering an ACL injury.