KAPITAN CJ Cansino, the graduating star player of the UP Fighting Maroons’ strong lineup for UAAP Season 86, gave a touching parting message to the Diliman community on Instagram Wednesday evening.
Cansino expressed his gratitude to the UP community, which he described as compassionate and caring, in an Instagram post, as they supported him through the highs and lows.
“Salamat, Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Iba kayo magmahal, mag-alaga, at sumuporta,” said Cansino, who completed his time with the Fighting Maroons by leaving the university with a hard-fought silver medal.
“Mula nang maging parte ako ng Maroons, kasama ko kayo sa unang panalo at kasama rin kayo hanggang sa huling pagkatalo,” he wrote in the Instagram post.
Regardless of how it ended, Season 86 was a personal accomplishment for Casino.
Only a year out from his latest ACL tear, the 6-foot-2 wing led UP with 12.46 points (a team high) and 3.15 rebounds per game, impressing with his ability to score at all three levels.
“Kinapos man tayo ngayong season pero hindi kayo bumitaw, at hindi rin kayo nang-iwan sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko at pinagdaanan namin. Walang takot kahit kanino!”
“Salamat sa naging mainit na pagtanggap! Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa mga tumulong at nag-alaga sa dalawang taon ko dito. Hindi dito natatapos ang pagiging isko,” he concluded his post.
Despite the fact that he ended his illustrious collegiate career with the UP Fighting Maroons, Cansino reflected on what appears to be a promising stint with the UST Growling Tigers and expressed thanks.
This came following a post-game interview following their final match loss to the Kevin Quiambao-led DLSU Green Archers.
“Well, sobrang laking tulong ng lahat ng pinagdaanan ko kasi syempre, tinuruan ako nun kung paano maging tough, and hopefully madala ko ‘yung sa mga susunod na journey ko,” Cansino went on to say.
For the time being, Cansino’s next step after his outstanding collegiate career is unknown. However, with the talent he brings to the table, he will undoubtedly pique the interest of many.
