CJ Cansino is Diliman-bound.
Coach Bo Perasol confirmed on Friday that the University of the Philippines Maroons added another weapon to their growing arsenal by welcoming the former University of Santo Tomas team captain.
The 20-year-old Cansino's whirlwind transfer capped a tumultuous few days for the Growling Tigers who, sources said, had to deal with an alleged conflict that erupted while the team was in coach Aldin Ayo's hometown in Sorsogon.
The tumult ended with Cansino being kicked out of the team, the player claimed in a statement released on Friday morning.
UP, one of the most active teams in the offseason, moved quickly to secure the commitment from the 6-foot-2 guard in a meeting on Friday attended by UP team manager Agaton Uvero, Cansino's uncle, and Perasol, sources said.
The rush shouldn't come as a surprise as the Fighting Maroons management wanted to enroll Cansino to the school with the Varsity Athletic Admissions System (VAAS) already nearing its deadline.
Returning from a left ACL injury last year, Cansino posted 5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists as he steered the Growling Tigers' to the Finals before bowing to Ateneo.
Cansino can suit up for UP come UAAP Season 84, making him a vital part of the Fighting Maroons' future.
Cansino, who engaged Maroons player Ricci Rivero and Juan Gomez de Liano in a playful recruitment banter on Twitter, hinted about the move by posting an emoji that resembled the Maroons' logo.
The Maroons are set to release a statement making the transfer official through its NowheretogobutUP support group.
Cansino will serve his residency year this season and will be eligible to suit up the succeeding season. He's the perfect replacement for shifty guard Ricci Rivero, who is set to graduate this upcoming year.
Gomez de Liano, incidentally, is also poised to return to the Maroons with brother Javi come UAAP Season 84.
The Valenzuela-born playmaker fits perfectly for UP's grand plans as he joins former Gilas Pilipinas youth team members and incoming rookies Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano, who joined the Maroons from the National University Bullpups.
Other newcomers at the Maroons camp are RC Calimag and transferees Joel Cagulangan and Maodo Malick Diouf.
Cansino will have two more playing years with the Fighting Maroons.
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