ROOKIE CJ Cansino was relishing what could have been an early breakout performance in his PBA career with the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday night until the equally determined Converge FiberXers played the spoiler's role.
Cansino finished with 21 points, pulled down six rebounds and completed two steals, but his effort went for naught as the Bolts lost to the FiberXers, 97-105.
"As an individual, may panghihinayang talaga ako, kasi as a rookie, gusto mong magpakita," said the former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons star. "As a team naman, we're preparing for the playoffs, so hindi kami dapat maging inconsistent."
As a newcomer, Cansino is suppose to watch and learn from his experienced teammates, but the opportunity to prove himself was presented to him following the injury suffered by veteran swingman Allein Maliksi.
"I'm grateful for the trust being given to me (by the coaches)," Cansino said. "As a rookie, nabibigyan na kaagad ako ng ganitong klaseng minute. As a player, there's pressure, but as a competitor, I love that kind of pressure na alam kong every game, kailangan kong mag-focus at ipakita ang dapat kong ipakita."
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Playing for a champion team that just won the Philippine Cup, Cansino believes he needs to fit in well by adapting to the system adding: "Hindi sistema ang maga-adjust sa akin, so yung ganung mentality, I'm hoping mahawa ako sa winning culture nila and ang ganda ng culture nila. Very family-oriented." (RJ)
