CJ Cansino was ready to risk everything just to help bring the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament crown to University of the Philippines.
The 6-foot-1 guard had sat out UP’s last four games due to a bone bruise in his right knee. But in Game 3, he played as if there was no tomorrow, making his debut in the finals series against Ateneo de Manila University at the 1:53 mark of Game Three.
And what a difference did he make for the Fighting Maroons.
Contributing 14 points at the back of four triples in just 11 minutes of action, Cansino made the most of his limited time on the floor despite the fact he is still recovering from injury.
“Siyempre, masarap sa pakiramdam,” said the former University of Santo Tomas standout after his side’s 72-69 overtime win over Ateneo. “Alam mo yun, nakatulong ako sa team dahil grabe kasi yung sinacrifice nila. So, nung gabi nung natalo kami kinagabihan. Iniisip ko lang, ano ba ‘yung isa-sacrifice ko? Yung sarili ko or yung team?
“Wala n, ‘di na ako nag dalawang isip. Sabi ko kung ano man mangyari sa career ko, kung ano mangyari sa injury ko, ‘di ko na papabayaan yung teammates ko. ‘Di ko papabayaan yung UP community, yung coaches.”
Inspired by his teammates; his coach Goldwin Monteverde; and the ovation he received when he entered the court for the first time since his injury in the elimination round against Ateneo, the former UAAP Boys’ Basketball MVP made it a point to repay the faith bestowed upon him.
Additionally, Cansino knew that he had to make up for lost time. After all, he was on the losing side in the Season 82 finals when he represented the Growling Tigers against the Blue Eagles.
“Kasi, grabe sila mag trabaho e, makikita mo na gustong gusto nila din talaga. At siyempre nung sinabi ni coach Gold na if kaya mo, ikaw mag-decide,” said the 22-year-old Cansino. “Yung tiwala niya sa akin, sabi ko ita-try ko. Kaya sobrang saya ko, dahil ‘yun nga, kahit may injury ako nakatulong ako sa team.
“Siyempre, masarap sa feeling dahil, ayun nga kasi mas sumobrang sarap siya kasi alam ko yung feeling kung pano natalo e.”
Now, as a champion with the Fighting Maroons, Cansino has etched his name in the history of UP. Being a member of such a star-studded lineup that fulfilled its potential says plenty. For this, he credits the success of his personal performance and the team to Monteverde.
It says something that he was willing to risk his career after all his injuries – all for bringing home the championship to UP.
His love for his school and his coach gave him the heart to see the job through.
“Sobrang grateful ako pinagkatiwalaan ako ni Coach Gold sa laro kanina, and yung sa sistema niya nasabi naman na ng mga teammates ko. And ‘di naman naging ganon kahirap, kasi ‘yun nga, alam na namin yung sistema ni coach, dahil nakalaban na namin siya nung high school,” he said.
“Tsaka, grabe siya eh, ‘di lang siya coach. Parang tatay mo na din off the court, so yun.”
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