Kevin Ferrer has witnessed how real the hype around CJ Cansino is.
Last Sunday, the three-time UAAP silver medalist was watching in the stands as the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers scored a 78-70 win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
During that game, Cansino tallied 12 rebounds to go along with five points and three assists. And from what he has been hearing, Ferrer – who is now with the Barangay Ginebra Kings – sees Pido Jarencio’s three Ps in Cansino.
“Sobrang aggressive niya. Ang sarap niya panoorin. Sobrang tapang niya eh,” beamed Ferrer.
“Nandoon yung tinatawag namin na 3Ps: yung puso, pride, tsaka palaban nasa kanya. Sana mahawa niya yung teammates niya sa aggressiveness niya.”
Just like him, Cansino is a UST lifer as both came from the UST Tiger Cubs program. Ferrer, who saw his teammates Cedric Labing-isa and Kyle Neypes move out of España, can’t help but be proud that school loyalty is still alive up to this day.
“Sobrang saya ko na nag-stay siya kasi ‘di na siya umalis sa tahanan natin, ‘di tulad ng iba na lumilipat at naga-adjust pa.”
Still, Ferrer hopes that Cansino won’t settle. The now-25-year-old forward wants to see Cansino become the leader of the Growling Tigers both on and off the court.
“Huwag siyang mapagod mag-improve. Kung nasaan siya, dapat higitan pa niya yung meron siya,” Ferrer opined.
“Kailangan nagi-improve siya everyday like yung sa leadership at decision making dahil future King Tiger siya.”
Upon hearing this, Cansino, who is averaging 13.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists this season, could not help but gush with the words of wisdom given to him by his senior.
“Sobrang saya and grateful ko kasi si Kevin Ferrer, PBA na and naabot na niya yung pangarap ng kahit sinong player. Kaya grateful ako na masabihan niya ng ganun.”
