Meralco Bolts' CJ Cansino took in the learnings from his one-day experience with Ja Morant, drawing strength from the NBA star's ability to remain true to his game even after injury.
CJ Cansino’s professional career is still in its infancy, just wrapping up his rookie year with the Meralco Bolts in the PBA.
With still loads ahead of him in his hoops journey, the former UAAP champion got a fresh source of inspiration on Friday when he took part in the "Make Them Watch" showcase featuring Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
Being one of the few Philippine cagers selected to play in front of Morant at The Courtyard in Bonifacio Global City, Cansino took his cues from the explosive guard.
Having been subjected to similar challenges in his career like injuries, Cansino was happy to see part of himself in the two-time NBA All-Star.
[READ: Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant raves about ‘welcoming, loving’ Filipino fans in Manila stop]
“Siguro, [gusto ko makuha] yung hard work niya, yung consistency niya kasi nakikita natin sa NBA na galing siya ng injury then bumalik. Alam mo yung marami din siyang pinagdaanan pero nandito parin siya,” Cansino said.
“Tumutulong [siya], nagiging inspiration sa mga bata. PInapakita niya pa rin na pwede, posible,” he added.
It can be recalled that in his rookie year in the UAAP, Cansino suffered an ACL injury with the UST Growling Tigers, which sidelined him for a while. His path eventually led to the UP Fighting Maroons, culminating with a UAAP title.
Pivotal to UP’s championship run in UAAP Season 84, Cansino said that it was something to behold that he saw someone so similar to his situation in the flesh.
“Oo naman, siyempre, [nakaka-relate ako]. Pag player ka may tinitignan ka rin na mga NBA player, dahil sa mga pinagdaanan nila eh. Isa si Ja Morant doon,” he said.
Morant himself suffered a serious shoulder injury two seasons ago, limiting him to just nine games in Memphis' 2023-24 campaign. But now, Morant is back to being in full force.
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Morant normed 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 50 games.
Having been able to realize that Morant is just like any other basketball player, vulnerable to his own struggles, Cansino said that it was something that he would likely hold on to as he makes his journey in the PBA and beyond.
“Hindi to basta-basta eh, makakita lang ako ng NBA player masasabi ko na ang kasing tangkad ko lang pala siya, ganoon lang din pala katawan niya… Masasabi mo na, posible talaga kapag nandiyan siya, mas lalo kang gaganahan and ma-inspire, and ‘yung motivation mo na posible pala lahat,” he said.