Cansino in attendance as UP advances to finals at UST's expense

CJ Cansino had his fair share of highs and lows with both University of Sto. Tomas and the University of the Philippines.

It was with the latter where he reached the mountaintop of college basketball when he and the Fighting Maroons were crowned UAAP champion back in Season 84.

Now a pro and part of the legions of maroon-and-green fans watching on from the sidelines, Cansino pointed out what he figured is the cutting edge of State U from the rest of the field.

PHOTO: UAAP Season 84 Media Bureau

For the ex-UP skipper, it comes down to three things which he himself experienced the best of during his time in Diliman.

“Sikreto siguro, it’s about the management, coach, culture. Kailangan lahat nandu’n eh,” said Cansino.

“Isa ‘yun sa pinakamasasabi nating secret formula kasi kahit saan ka pumunta, kapag maayos ‘yung management, maayos ‘yung coach, siyempre susunod na rin ‘yung players. Nandu’n na lahat ‘yun.”

Up to who wants it most

UP has lost its last two finals stints since that title-winning Season 84.

To prove that third time’s the charm, it wouldn’t take any piece of advice from the now-Meralco star for the Fighting Maroons to avoid another title heartbreak.

READ: Alarcon stays hot vs UST, shoots UP to fourth straight finals

This time, they’ll have to figure out how to crack the championship code themselves.

“Tingin ko, nasa kanila na ‘yun eh, kung paano sila mananalo. Meron naman silang piyesa para manalo. Siguro, ‘yung mindset na lang nila, kailangan na lang nilang i-focus kung ano ‘yung talagang goal nila," he said.

Cansino furthered, “Sa [championship] series, kung sino man ‘yung makakalaban nila, mananalo lang diyan kung sino ‘yung talagang gustong manalo. It’s about mindset.”

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