THE last time they stepped on the UAAP Finals stage, CJ Cansino and Mark Nonoy were clad in yellow jerseys as members of the University of Santo Tomas squad mentored by Aldin Ayo in Season 82.
Fast forward four years, they found themselves facing off on opposite ends of the court, marking their final year in college basketball.
Cansino and Nonoy each made five points to contribute to their respective teams as the University of the Philippines routed De la Salle, 97-67, in the opener of their best-of-three title series.
Despite being rivals on the court, the former teammates said the camaraderie and friendship remains as they once again shared the final stage.
“Sobrang happy kasi nagkakaharap kami, iba ‘yung bonding pag teammate mo. Malaki ang respeto namin sa isa’t isa pag naglalaro, alam naming ibibigay namin ang best namin dahil magkalaban, pero off the court, magkaibigan pa rin,” said Cansino, who now plays for the Maroons.
Nonoy, on the other hand, said there is a job that needs to be done.
"Off the court, andun ang friendship, pero on the court, kailangan i-set aside 'yan. Ngayon nakalamang siya pero babawi ako,” vowed the La Salle standout.
Coming from a closely-knit UST batch, Cansino said their former teammates take pleasure from pitting them against each other.
“Sila Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso, may mga asaran kami na, ‘Oh ayan, maghaharap kayo, ang matalo may consequence,'” said Cansino, who is looking forward to end his UAAP career with a championship.
Nonoy, however, is not about to throw in the towel.
“Sana makapag-adjust kami at makuha ang Game Two, hindi pa tapos ang laban,” he said.
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