Cansino moving over to UP from UST

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are not done stacking their cards for a mission to end a 34-year UAAP title drought.

They’re in a continuing rebuilding  process, getting another key recruit in ex-UAAP juniors MVP CJ Cansino following his sudden departure from University of Santo Tomas.

Fighting Maroons coach Bo Perasol confirmed the acquisition to The STAR, making the 6-foot-2 wingman the latest piece in an already potent squad led by the troika of Ricci Rivero, Bright Akhuetie and Kobe Paras.

The former UST captain’s looming transfer from España is the latest steal of the Diliman camp after securing the services of high school stars and Batang Gilas standouts Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano early on.

Tamayo and Abadiano are jumping to UP from National U.

Cansino’s commitment to UP came hours after his official goodbye to the Tigers.

Xavier’s Miguel Tan, CEU’s Malick Diouf, La Salle Greenhills’ RC Calimag, University of Visayas’ Jancork Cabahug, Fil-Aussie Ethan Kirkness, Fil-Am Sam Dowd, and Fil-Canadians Anton Eusebio and Alonso Tan are other prized catches by UP in its aggressive recruitment program.

Now, the Maroons are looking locked-and-loaded for redemption in Season 83 after their blown twice-to-beat advantage as the No. 2 seed last year and a foiled finals appearance in Season 81.