CJ Cansino leaves UST Tigers, says he was kicked off the team

CJ Cansino and UST coach Aldin Ayo. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines—Sophomore CJ Cansino expressed his sadness as he made the decision to leave University of Santo Tomas after alleged disagreements with head coach Aldin Ayo.

In a statement, Cansino said that UST has always been his dream school but he has no choice but to transfer after he was “removed” from the Growling Tigers team.

“Kung mabibigyan lang ako ng isang rason kahit sobrang daming rason kung bakit aalis ako, mag-stay ako eh. Kasi gusto ko pa rin maglaro sa UST,” said Cansino.

“Bigyan lang ako ng isang rason para hindi lumipat, maglalaro pa rin ako sa UST. Kaya lang, tinanggal ako eh. Hindi mo naman pwede ipagpilitan yung sarili mo. May pangarap rin naman ako para sa sarili ko. Kaya sobrang lungkot lang na kailangan kong umalis sa UST kahit hindi ko gusto. “

(If I’m given a choice or just one reason, then I’ll stay because I still want to play for UST. Just give me one reason then I won’t leave, I’ll continue playing for UST. But I was kicked off the team. I can’t force myself into the team. I still have a dream for myself that’s why I’m so sad to leave UST even if I don’t want to.)

Reports circulated that Cansino, the Growling Tigers’ captain, was training inside a bubble in Ayo’s province of Sorsogon and longed to be back home with his family.

Cansino’s action allegedly led to his departure from the team.

“Unang-una sa lahat, UST is my dream school kaya nalulungkot talaga ako sa nangyari. Wala akong masabi kundi salamat sa suporta ng community, fans at admin. Ibang-iba ang mga Tomasino pagdating sa suporta. Sobrang tumaba yung puso ko nung nakita ko yung suporta nila kahit na nalaman nilang lilipat ako,” wrote Cansino Friday.

(First of all, UST is my dream school that’s why I’m sad by what happened. I don’t have anything else to say but thanks to the support of the community, fans, and the administration. Thomasians’s support is really something else. It’s heartwarming to see their support even though I will be transferring.)

The Inquirer tried to get the side of Ayo but there was no response as of posting.

Cansino was the Juniors MVP when he graduated from the Tiger Cubs program and was a runner-up to Ateneo’s Ange Kouame in the Rookie of the Year award in Season 82.

CFC