He was instrumental in the Fighting Maroons' opening win.
CJ Cansino announced his return to the UAAP in an explosive fashion.
Returning from a second ACL injury, Cansino didn’t skip a beat and dropped five triples for 19 points in the UP Fighting Maroons’ 68-51 win over the Adamson Falcons in UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball on Sunday.
“Siyempre, sobrang saya ko. Thank God na nakapagbalik ako sa paglalaro. Sobrang happy ko na sa pagbabalik ko, nakatulong pa ako sa team,” he said after the game at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Now in his final playing year, the former Rookie of the Year deflected the credit to his teammates for helping him get his bearings going, especially in the third period, where he sank three three-pointers.
“‘Yung tiwala ng teammates ko na 'pag tumitira ako kahit sablay, sinasbi nila ‘tira lang, papasok rin ‘yan,' 'yun nagbigay sa'kin ng confidence,” Cansino said.
He got plenty of help UP's stacked roster, with reigning MVP Malick Diouf putting up 20 points and 17 rebounds, while prized rookie Francis Lopez added five markers, 13 rebounds, and three assists.
After helping the Fighting Maroons win the title in Season 84, Cansino sat out the succeeding year to recover from a second ACL injury. While being out of commission for an extended period yet again takes a mental toll, the UP captain kept believing in himself.
Now that he’s back, the former UAAP Juniors MVP wants to help State U regain the championship. But he needs one thing first.
“Isa lang panalangin ko: Maging healthy na ako buong season,” he said.