CJ Cansino is the heart and soul of University of the Philippines.
The fifth-year, do-it-all guard gives his best effort in every game to inspire his teammates and the UP crowd against their opponents. In UP’s 89-99 loss to Ateneo de Manila University last Sunday, the 25-year-old player was seen playfully teasing the Ateneans in attendance at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Unfortunately, despite leading the Fighting Maroons with 22 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, the former University of Santo Tomas star found himself on the losing side.
“Siguro dala na rin ng emotion yun sa game kasi sobrang sarap maglaro eh lalo na pagka maraming tao.
“Actually, wala naman ako naririnig na nag-ta-trashtalk and siguro dala talaga ng emosyon,” said Cansino.
For the UAAP Season 84 gold medalist, this defeat had been a long time coming for UP. He expressed his opinion that his team often struggles to start games well, which complicates things for them in the end.
UP narrowly escaped De La Salle University a few days ago. This time, however, there was no way out for the Fighting Maroons.
“For me siguro, medyo kulang pa kasi for the past games namin, yun lagi nagiging problema namin. Hinihintay namin may sumapak sa amin bago kami sumapak.
“Di namin nakuha yung panalo ngayon and hopefully matuto kami sa game na to,” said Cansino.
Despite the loss, UP still maintained a healthy lead at the top of the standings with a 6-1 record. The Fighting Maroons are aware that the second round is when the crucial part of the campaign begins.
This loss may be painful right now, but it could be a blessing in disguise for last year’s finalists. There are numerous lessons to be learned for the Fighting Maroons in their future games. For Cansino, however, it was a sign that he may need to be more composed on the court.
“Papanoorin muna yung game and let’s see kung pano kami mag-pe-prepare for the next game,” he said.
“Yung dun sa emotion, yun nga medyo mas toned down. Laruin lang namin ano yung laro namin.”
