The Meralco Bolts are on a three-game winning streak after going 0-2 in their first two games in PBA Season 50, and a big reason for this turnaround has been sophomore CJ Cansino.
Through five games so far, Cansino has put up 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.8 assist, 0.8 steal, and 0.8 block, spiking his season with a 22-point, 9-rebound debut against the Titan Ultra Giant Risers and a 23-point, 6-rebound, 4-block masterpiece on Sunday against the Magnolia Hotshots.
There’s no denying Cansino has been one of the most impressive players this season thus far, and Meralco coach Luigi Trillo believes his prized youngster has more to give. And for Trillo, that means continuing to play well game in and game out—something Cansino has been doing already this season.
“He’s got more in the tank. The consistency has been there. I think for him, in terms of giving more, is being consistent every game,” Trillo pointed out in the postgame presser after Meralco’s nail-biting victory over Magnolia.
Sponge-Like Cansino Is Easy to Coach, Can Be Bolts’ Next Leader
Trillo, unsurprisingly, has nothing but good things to say about his emerging star, whom he describes as “easiest to coach” and like “a sponge” as he navigates his still young career.
“I’m sure they’ll try to lock in on you defensively, but I just see good things in him [Cansino],” Trillo pointed out. “He’s one of the first in the gym, you don’t need to tell him to work, [and] he’s the easiest to coach. Sometimes, when players struggle or you give inputs, not everybody’s really open to just be a sponge. He’s one of the players I’ve had, I’ve been in the league 26 years, where kahit anong sabihin mo, he’s open.”
That work ethic and willingness to learn are pushing Cansino to great heights this season, and yet Trillo is expecting more. The next step, according to the coach, is a more prominent role in terms of leading the Bolts.
“I think there’s more to him in terms of leadership. He’s been a leader in UP [Fighting Maroons] and UST [Growling Tigers]. He has good character guys like New, Raymond, and Cliff, so his time will come to lead our team.”
That time seems to be getting near, and it looks like Cansino is ready.
