CJ Cansino finally made his much-anticipated debut in the PBA D-League after over a year of waiting.
Last March 9, the 20-year-old swingman and his University of Santo Tomas took on Diliman College in 2020 Aspirants’ Cup action at the Paco Arena in Manila.
And it was a rousing welcome for him, as the Builders Warehouse-backed Growling Tigers beat the Blue Dragons, 106-93.
“Sobrang excited ako,” said Cansino, who had nine points, five rebounds, and five steals in over 18 minutes of action in the victory — the España-based cagers’ second in as many games.
It was a long wait for the incoming third-year guard before setting foot in the developmental ranks.
The former UAAP Juniors MVP was unable to join the Growling Tigers’ D-League campaign last year after suffering an ACL tear during last stages of UAAP Season 81’s elimination round
Cansino wanted to be with UST at that time but given his condition, he needed to wait patiently.
“May plan naman si God ,at alam ko na hindi Niya ako papabayaan. Kaya naghintay na lang ako,” said Cansino.
The wait was worth it, though, once Cansino finally experienced playing in the D-League.
“Bago ka mapunta sa PBA, dito ka dadaan. Last year, ‘di ako nakalaro. Iba ang experience ‘pag nasa D-League.”
The Growling Tigers have gained early leadership of the conference following the impressive win, but Cansino said that there’s still plenty of improvement needed — especially in consistency.
“Lagi kaming roller-coaster, akyat-baba ng akyat-baba. Siguro kailangan namin na paangat ng paangat. ‘Yung consistency namin, ‘di bababa. Lagi lang dapat paangat ng paangat.”
