CJ Cansino was taken by Meralco in the first round of the 2024 PBA Draft and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Being drafted 11th overall is nice enough, but being picked by a team that perfectly fits your style of play must be a different feeling.
"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 last 14 July.
"My game, it’s more on their (Meralco) system and I can adapt with that. Whatever I can give, I'll give it to Meralco."
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.
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.
He helped the Growling Tigers reach the Season 82 title series and saw action in the last three finals after transferring to UP, winning a historic championship with the Fighting Maroons in Season 84 in 2022.
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