CJ Cansino may be a rookie but he’s proving quickly that he belongs with the big boys of the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament.
University of Santo Tomas blew out University of the East, 80-66, for its second win this year and Cansino churned out another stellar performance
Cansino was whirling derby for the Tigers with 17 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists while also providing timely baskets for Aldin Ayo’s group.
Such numbers has made Cansino a hot commodity for UST and he said that it’s all due to Ayo’s commitment to them.
“Coach gave us a lot of confidence during the games. He’s always telling us that ‘there’s one thing that can’t be taken away from you and that’s confidence,’” said Cansino in Filipino.
“Coach Aldin just gives you a ton of confidence as long as you do things right,” added Cansino.
UST’s prized rookie wasn’t just crashing the board for the Tigers as he was also finding himself open in crucial times.
After UE went on a 19-5 run in the third quarter to cut what was once a 21-point lead to seven, 49-42, Cansino found a spot beyond the arc and promptly drilled a three-pointer to cap UST’s 11-1 salvo that put them ahead 60-43 with 1:04 left in the period.
Ayo said Cansino had struck the fine balance between being humble and striving for more in life.
“CJ has a good attitude and a good character because he wants to win,” said Ayo. “You also have to admire the humility of the boy and he wants to learn. I can say the parents did a good job in his upbringing because I talk to them a lot. CJ’s parents did a good job of raising him.”