University of Santo Tomas skipper Crispin John “CJ” Cansino has left the Tigers’ camp and will be joining the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
Cansino, who dropped out of the Growling Tigers’ camp for personal reasons last Thursday, has committed to play for the University of the Philippines, Maroons’ head coach Bo Perasol confirmed on Friday.
Known for his speed, strength and sweet shooting, the 6’2” guard and incoming third year student-athlete will be eligible to play for the Maroons in University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ Season 84.
“Unang-una sa lahat, UST is my dream school kaya nalulungkot talaga ako sa nangyari. Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang UST and thankful ako sa kanila na binigyan nila ako ng opportunity, pero I need to move on,” Cansino said.
“Noong natanggap ko na, na hindi na ako pwede sa UST, marami po akong kinausap and kinonsulta. Ang naging pakiramdam ko po ay mas bagay talaga ako sa UP, mas comfortable ako sa UP,” he added.
Cansino met with UP Men’s Basketball Team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero and Perasol, expressing his interest to join the Diliman-based squad.
“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. CJ will definitely enjoy his stay in UP,” Perasol said.
Team manager Atty. Uvero said the UPMBT is happy to have the multi-talented former juniors star join the squad.
“We wanted him to play for UP when he graduated from UST high school two years ago, but his heart has always been with UST. We are happy and lucky that he chose to be part of the Fighting Maroons this time,” Uvero said.
UST coach Aldin Ayo confirmed Cansino’s departure from the team and did not elaborate.
“Bigyan lang nila ako ng isang rason para hindi lumipat kahit maraming rason para umalis, lalaro parin ako sa UST. Kaya lang tinanggal ako. Hindi mo naman kasi puwede ipagpilitan ‘yung sarili mo sa team na ayaw na sa ‘yo,” said Cansino in an online statement.
“Sa huli, gusto ko magpasalamat sa coaches sa dalawang taon na pagtuturo sa akin para mas mag-improve not just a player, pero kung paano rin maging mabuting tao. Sa teammates ko na naging pamilya ko na rin, hinding-hindi ko kayo makakalimutan,” said Cansino in his statement.
The Growling Tigers were isolated in a training camp in Sorsogon, when Cansino opted out of the team. The province was under a Modified General Community Quarantine at the time of the camp.
Cansino has two years remaining in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
Last season, the Growling Tigers made it to the Finals, with Cansino one of their vital cogs.
The Tigers eliminated the Fighting Maroons in the semifinals and advanced to the finals against eventual champion Ateneo.
With Cansino out of the picture, the Tigers, however, still remain as contenders in the coming Season 83 with MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo, Rookie of the Year Mark Nonoy and Rhenz Abando still around.
Cansino, who was the Rookie of the Year in Season 81, averaged 5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists the last time around.
Other varsity squads, such as the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the La Salle Green Archers, the Adamson Falcons in the UAAP and the San Beda Red Lions and the Letran Knights in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, reached out to Cansino, with fellow players offering him invites on social media.
But they were all beaten to the gun by the Maroons and Perasol.