CJ Cansino has been vocal about playing for Ginebra should he get into the PBA, but he now finds himself heading for one of his dream team’s arch-rivals instead.
The sweet-shooting guard was picked 11th overall by Meralco during Sunday’s Season 49 Draft, the opposite of what he’s been hoping for since his childhood.
Make no mistake about it, though – he’s extremely happy to get closer to his pro aspirations. And he’s joining a Bolts team that’s fresh off winning its first-ever league championship after conquering the 2024 Philippine Cup.
“Sobrang happy ako, kasi champion sila last season. And hopefully, maranasan ko rin ‘yun,” Cansino told reporters during the draft proceedings held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.
“Pagtatrabahuhan namin ‘yon.”
The two-time UAAP gold medalist believes, too, that he can contribute to the Bolts as he trusts his ability to adapt to the system of coaches Nenad Vucinic and Luigi Trillo, both of which steered the franchise to its maiden title.
“N’ong tumitingin ako ng teams sa PBA, tingin ko isa ‘yung Meralco sa teams na makakatulong ako,” he observed.
“Yung laro ko, more sa system nila at kaya ko maka-adapt doon. Hopefully kung ano yung kaya ko ibigay, mabigay ko.”
It could be true, given the experiences – and adversities – Cansino has gone through before making the leap to the major league.
For starters, he spent his collegiate career with UST and UP, respectively, before taking his act to the Iloilo United Royals of the MPBL.
His arrival, furthermore, potentially deepens Meralco’s guard rotation spearheaded by veterans Chris Newsome and Chris Banchero.
The 24-year-old can’t wait to buckle down to work – and, of course, learn from his would-be seniors – with the MVP Group-owned ball club.
“Sobrang laking halaga kasi marami akong matututunan sa veterans nila,” said Cansino, who stands at 6-foot-1.
“Sobrang excited ako.”
