Ja Morant Brings Inspiration To Players Like CJ Cansino

Meralco Bolts guard CJ Cansino said that he can relate to two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant after seeing him in person.

As Filipino basketball fans avidly await the first full-blooded Filipino to play on the NBA stage, a moment like this for Cansino reminds him that anything is possible.

"First of all, this isn't just a simple thing. Seeing an NBA player in person, then I realized that he’s as tall as I am, and we have similar bodies, so I can say that it’s possible," Cansino said after an exhibition game between the De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers and Team 12 with Morant on the sidelines.

"You'll be more energized and inspired, and your motivation will increase because you'll see that everything is possible," he added.

But what captivated the UAAP Champion the most was his and the NBA star's shared pains.

Morant suffered a back spasm in his rookie year in the NBA that led him to miss several games, while Cansino sustained an injury in his early years in the UAAP with the UST Growling Tigers.

"Of course. As a player, you look up to NBA players because of what they've been through, and Ja Morant is one of them. I'm so happy that he's here in Manila."

Meanwhile, Morant faced charges and was suspended in the NBA after posting a gun in his Instagram story in 2023.

Cansino shared that, just like Morant, life is always about learning and moving forward.

"He's still here, helping out and being an inspiration to the kids. He's still showing them that it's possible, that it can be done," he said.

Playing for the Meralco Bolts, Cansino shared that he now focuses on leveling up his performance in the professional stage. "In my rookie year, of course, I learned a lot. And with those things I learned, I now know what I need to do and what I need to improve. So, for my second year, I already know what I need to work on."

"I’ve been focusing entirely on my body, pointing here to my arm. I've been gaining weight. I need to add five kilos for both offense and defense, and those are the things I'm really concentrating on right now."