Rookie CJ Cansino delivered 16 points as Meralco recovered its winning ways against Terrafirma in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo could not help but compare rookie CJ Cansino to a younger version of now-veteran Bong Quinto.
This after Cansino, the No. 11 overall pick in the recent rookie draft, seemed to have found his feet with the Bolts after shooting four triples in their 107-91 victory over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
The new winger finished with 16 points, while Quinto fired three triples in the fourth period to turn back the Dyip and ended up with 22 big points.
"Very talented. I think he is popular dahil he is very humble like Bong. They're easy to coach. They're very motivated," Trillo said.
Cansino relishes the comparison, saying he is making the most of the opportunity to learn from the seasoned cager from Letran.
The former University of the Philippines standout shared that Quinto constantly gives him tips in practice and during games about what he could do better.
CJ Cansino goes for a jumper. | Photo (c) RM Chua
"Kahit noong nasa bench kanina, tinuturuan niya akong dapat ganito gawin ko. May mga ways siyang sinasabi sa'kin. Kasi almost same kami ng laro, eh, spacer ganoon. Talagang titira," said Cansino.
"'Yung six years na experience niya, talagang ibinibigay niya sa'kin. Talagang kinausap niya talaga ako."
Bong Quinto (second from right) generously guides rookie CJ Cansino (not in photo). | Photo (c) RM Chua
But Cansino was also quick to say that there's a lot of work cut out for him three games into the season.
"Siguro 'yung biggest adjustment ko lang 'yung pagiging kumportable sa uncomfortable situations. Ang daming reasons, 'di ko na kayang isa-isahin, pero sa dulo lang, kung paano lang ako magiging kumportable talaga," said Cansino.
"Siyempre, new team, new system, bagong mga kasama. So talagang hinahanap ko kung anong magiging impact ko sa game and doon sa game. Parang nagiging pilit. So ang ginawa ko, binawasan ko ng mga isang segundo ang decision making ko para mas maging in flow ako sa game."
With Chris Newsome (ankle), Aaron Black (knee), and Raymond Almazan (back) still nursing injuries, Cansino has the luxury of time to further prove his worth with Meralco.