CJ Cansino on choosing Fighting Maroons: 'Mas bagay talaga ako sa UP'

Despite the playful attempts of his fellow collegiate players to recruit him to their respective teams, CJ Cansino eventually decided to join the University of the Philippines.

In a statement released by UP on Friday, Cansino said he was sad to leave the University of Santo Tomas, but he needed to move on.

He said he consulted many people regarding his next step. On Friday, he met with Perasol and Uvero to express his interest to join the Fighting Maroons.

"Ang naging pakiramdam ko po ay mas bagay talaga ako sa UP, mas comfortable ako sa UP," Cansino said.

UP men's basketball team head coach Bo Perasol welcomed Cansino's decision to relocate to Diliman.

Perasol said the incoming third-year guard will be "a great addition to ensuring the sustainability" of UP’s basketball program, especially with "possibly just one player left from last season playing for Season 84."

"I will personally help him make the transition to being a Fighting Maroon. CJ will definitely enjoy his stay in UP," the coach said.

UP team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero also said he is glad to have the former UST captain on the squad.

"We wanted him to play for UP when he graduated from UST high school two years ago, but his heart has always been with UST. We are happy and lucky that he chose to be part of the Fighting Maroons this time," he said. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/MGP, GMA News