The Meralco Bolts look headed for the playoffs and have a mathematical chance at cracking the top four if the breaks go their way. A big reason the Bolts appear to be shifting into gear is sensational sophomore CJ Cansino, who is continuing his rise to stardom in the PBA Philippine Cup.
On Friday, in Meralco’s 88–78 triumph over the Phoenix Fuel Masters, Cansino added another gem to his career ledger, firing 12 first-quarter points en route to a 22-point effort on 8-for-13 shooting. At times, the former UAAP champion with the UP Fighting Maroons looked like the best player on the floor, which is saying something given how Chris Newsome and Jason Perkins also shared the floor with Cansino.
CJ Cansino Repaying Absolute Trust
Postgame, the young budding star credited the trust his coaches and teammates are giving him as the key to his star turn this season.
“Sa mga coaches, sa mga veteran players, sa mga kuya ko kasi kita ko na ‘yung tiwala na binibigay nila sa ‘kin, grabe. Sobrang taas ng tiwala na binibigay nila, so kelangan ko i-work on ‘yun pagtapos ng practice para masuklian ‘yung trust na binibigay nila sa ‘kin,” Cansino said after the Phoenix game.
Indeed, CJ Cansino is repaying that trust big time. Counting Meralco’s win over Phoenix, the 11th overall pick of the PBA Season 49 Draft is averaging 17.9 points and 5.1 rebounds this conference and has emerged as one of the Bolts’ key movers.
Bolts Are Mighty Proud of CJ Cansino
CJ Cansino’s efforts aren’t going unnoticed, especially at the Meralco camp. In fact, Bolts coach Luigi Trillo has been very high on his prized guard, whom he described as “a sponge” and “very humble.”
“CJ is very coachable. He’s one of those guys; he’s like a sponge, very humble,” Trillo said of Cansino. “You can see his desire to improve. Last conference, he was a point of attack defensively; you can see his willingness to improve that. There’s still a lot for him to go, but we’re very proud of him.”
Yes, there’s still a lot to go before CJ Cansino can reach that superstar level. Given the trajectory he’s taking, it looks like he’s on his way there.
