MANILA, Philippines – CJ Cansino was at the bench when his University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers absorbed a 62-102 beating from defending champion Ateneo de Manila University.
For the first time, the rookie out of UST high school program was a spectator after suffering a season-ending ACL tear on his left knee in their game against UP.
As the season of the Growling Tigers came to a close on Wednesday, Cansino vowed to come back stronger next year.
“Sabi six to eight months daw pero sasagarin ko na ng eight months para sure,” said Cansino, who averaged 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in his first year in the seniors team.
“Then after nun, may extra two months pa at alam ko naman tutulungan ako nila coach na makabalik,” the 6-foot-1 guard added.
Cansino admitted that this was his first serious injury since suffering hurting his groin when he was with the Tiger Cubs.
So, he’s used be sidelined for a long time and he’ll use that lull to recover and work on his game.
“Siguro, yung sa depensa dapat improve ko pa saka yung pagpapalaki sa katawan para sa banggan,” he said.
Cansino is scheduled to undergo surgery this Monday and once he’s fully recovered, it won’t change his style of play.
“Tiwala lang kay God. Lahat naman may purpose. Ganoon talaga ang basketball,” said Cansino, who will now be the main man of coach Aldin Ayo in the coming Season 82.