The process of turning UST’s young Tigers into Knights continues for Aldin Ayo.
In his sixth game in the UAAP Men’s division, CJ Cansino sustained his impressive run. After averaging 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds prior to this game, the 6-foot-2 swingman tallied 17 points and 17 rebounds – towing the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers back to the win column, 80-66, at the expense of the University of the East Red Warriors.
And it was a badly needed outing for the Growling Tigers, as they have suffered three straight setbacks – including two blowouts at the hands of the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle Green Archers.
“Good thing about CJ every time you say something to him right away he responds,” said first-year UST head coach Aldin Ayo.
If there’s one player Ayo wants Cansino to emulate, it’s his former ward with the Letran Knights, Rey Nambatac.
Nambatac, who stands at 6-foot-1, was pivotal in Letran’s magical run to the top back in 2015. He followed it up with an impressive line of 16.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists during his senior year.
For his part, Cansino, who is an inch taller than Nambatac, posted norms of 24.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in his final year at UST High.
“Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanya gayahin mo si Nambatac. Gayahin mo si Rey. Small man yun, ‘di naman kalakihan, ‘di naman yun kalakasan yung katawan, pero nakaka-ilang rebounds si Rey,” said Ayo, a two-time Collegiate Basketball Coach of the Year.
From what he has seen so far, Ayo is impressed with the way Cansino has been soaking in everything he tells him.
“Pero madami pa siyang kulang, madami pang dapat trabahuin sa kanya. Good thing he has a good attitude, he has the right character. He’s very willing to win. You have to admire the humility of that boy – he really wants to learn and hindi siya nakukunteto kung ano meron sa kanya,” beamed Ayo.
“Well, masasabi ko siguro sa mga parents nagde-depend sa paglaki ng bata kasi nakakausap ko yung mother niya, nakakausap ko yung father niya, yung upbringing ng parents niya sa kanya maganda eh.”
Just like how Nambatac was with him.
