CJ Cansino has found a new home with the Iloilo United Royals in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
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The outgoing University of the Philippines skipper was introduced by his newest squad on Friday afternoon.
READ: Jacob Cortez follows in dad Mike's footsteps, joins La Salle Green Archers
Ill-fated as his college swan song might have been, the 24-year-old UAAP champion will soon embark on his pro career alongside ex-Fighting Maroons AJ Madrigal and CJ Catapusan.
Cansino's last college year and first season back from a one-year ACL injury layoff saw the captain himself led UP in scoring with 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in Season 86.
From steering the team to its first-ever top-seed prelims finish, twice-to-beat bonus, and a third straight Finals appearance, the Fighting Maroons' dream run had everything but the title after squandering a 1-0 series lead to La Salle.
And as he rides into the sunset with a new chapter ahead of him, Cansino still holds his head high with no bitterness and no regrets.
"Kapag champion ka kasi, parang madadala mo na ‘yun sa everyday life. Sobrang thankful ako na nakakuha ako ng championship, kahit isa lang, sa UAAP," said Cansino.
Cansino will reload an Iloilo side that finished eighth in the 2023 MPBL regular season and was knocked out in Round 1 of the playoffs against eventual runner-up Bacoor City Strikers.
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