What happened to CJ Cansino and his surprise departure from the UST Growling Tigers added color to an otherwise dull week in Philippine sports.
His untimely departure from the squad sparked a bag of worms for himself, the team, and the University of Santo Tomas since a rumored UST bubble in Sorsogon surfaced, allegedly in violation of quarantine procedures.
Day by day, allegations from the event surfaced, forcing the government to intervene and give forth the facts.
What Happened To CJ Cansino?
CJ Cansino, the Tigers’ team captain in UAAP Season 82, was abruptly dismissed from the squad for reasons beyond his control. He returned to Manila, apprehensive of his basketball future, after leaving the purported bubble in Sorsogon.
“May kukuha pa kaya sa akin na sinabi sa akin, ‘CJ, you’re off the team,’ naisip ko? Heartbreak talaga sa akin, since ‘di ko alam kung matutuloy pa yung pangarap kong maging basketball player “Cansino stated.
Despite his self-doubt, people know he’ll be a significant help to any team, as he averaged 8.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in his two years at UST.
Several social media offers from his peers attempted to entice Cansino to join their squad.
Opposing schools such as the Ateneo Blue Eagles, FEU Tamaraws, Adamson Soaring Falcons, and De La Salle Green Archers called Cansino.
One school stood out among the several tweets that he received that evening. The UP Fighting Maroons’ Juan Gomez de Liao assured Cansino that Diliman’s doors are always open.
Why Did CJ Cansino Leave UST?
A day after his name made headlines, CJ Cansino spoke out about his playing situation with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
Cansino and the Growling Tigers parted ways, according to many media reports.
The 22-year-old cager revealed in a statement released Friday that he was dropped from the team for reasons beyond his control.
Cansino said, “Tinanggal ako eh, kaya lang. Ipagpilitan yung sarili mo naman pwede naman pwede naman pwede naman pwede naman pwede naman Para sa sarili ko, may pangarap rin ako. “Kailangan kong umalis sa UST na kailangan kong kailangan kong kailangan kong kailangan kong kailangan kong kailangan kong kailangan kong kailangan kong kailangan kong kailangan kong ka.”
(I’d still play for UST if you gave me just one reason not to leave.) However, I was dismissed from the team. It’s impossible to make oneself stay. And I still have a dream for myself, which is why I am saddened that I must leave despite my opposition.)
Cansino expressed his thanks to the school he called home since he voted for the UAAP juniors Most Valuable Player in Season 80.