If he had his way, CJ Cansino would make Brgy. Ginebra his first, and perhaps only team in the PBA.
For a team as popular as Brgy. Ginebra, it’s not a surprise to find aspiring PBA stars whose dreams include playing for the historic franchise.
Aspiring PBA stars like CJ Cansino.
At the PBA Draft Combine ahead of the PBA Season 49 Draft, Cansino made his “Never Say Die” spirit known, recalling Ginebra’s longstanding presence in his family.
"Ginebra ‘eh. Ginebra talaga ako ‘eh. Never Say Die,” the incoming PBA rookie said.
"Growing up, hindi pa ata ako nagba-basketball, ‘yun na ‘yung pinapanaood ng family ko eh. Tuwing pumapasok ng Finals, nagi-inuman sila. Syempre nakikisama ako so, talagang bata pa lang ako, Ginebra na yung team ng family ko. Kumbaga dugong Ginebra ‘eh.”
It is quite evident that there is a deep-rooted connection between Ginebra and the Cansino family, justifying CJ’s desire to play for the Gin Kings one way or another when reaches the PBA.
"Hopefully, hindi man ngayon or soon, sana makalaro ako doon [Ginebra],” shared Cansino.
When asked about his draft chances, the former UP Fighting Maroon and UAAP champion remains hopeful, sharing his desire to be selected in the first round.
If that happens, Cansino is unlikely to land at Ginebra unless he falls in the draft order, as the Gin Kings are slated to pick 10th in the first round.
Ginebra also has the 5th and 10th picks in the second round.
"I hope sana makapasok ako ng first round kasi syempre ‘yun naman ‘yung mga pinapangarap ng players eh. Syempre ako, hinahangad ko yung pinaka-best sakin, magbibigay sakin ng opportunity,” CJ said.
As he readies himself for the PBA, Cansino draws motivation from his productive collegiate experience, which also included a Finals run with the UST Growling Tigers.
"Syempre 'yung mga pinagdaanan ko hindi 'rin biro eh. Lahat 'yun nagbibigay sakin ng motivation para araw-araw akong magtrabaho,” he said.
Like any other player from UP, Cansino carries the Fighting Maroon spirit in every league he enters.
Reflecting on his mindset during the Draft Combine, Cansino emphasizes the winning mentality he aims to bring to the PBA.
"‘Yung winning mentality and ‘yung [UP] culture namin na araw-araw kailangan naming mag-improve. Pumasok kami ng [UAAP] Finals, napag-daanan ko na ‘yung talo’t panalo. Mabigat ‘yun,” Cansino shared.
During the Draft Combine, Cansino likewise shared his satisfaction with the competitiveness he encountered in Day 1 as he measured himself against fellow PBA hopefuls.
"Kasi di ba pag mga ganito, minsan, hinahayaan lang, hindi binibigay ‘yung todo, pero ngayon, pansin ko, halos lahat, bigay ‘eh.”
"Lahat halos may gustong patunayan. Sobrang sarap maglaro,” Cansino said.