CJ Cansino came up big in Meralco's back-to-back wins in the PBA Philippine Cup as he tries to replace the void left vacant by veteran gunner Allein Maliksi.
Coach Luigi Trillo said the young freshman may not be in the same level yet of the 37-year-old Maliksi, out for the remainder of the season owing to a back injury, but sees a potential of becoming one in the near future.
"People forget how important si Allein Maliksi sa amin, and that's what CJ does. Alam niya," said Trillo after Cansino exploded for 20 points in the final quarter of the Bolts' 108-92 win over the NLEX Road Warriors.
"We realized how important having a guy who can put the ball in the hole, catch and shoot."
In Meralco's last two games, Cansino averaged 17.7 points per outing including a high 50 percent from his combined shooting from four-point and three-point areas, respectively.
He also had 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 assist to emerge as Best Player of the Game twice.
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Trillo was no longer surprised.
"Allein was a big part of our championship last year and nawala siya. And there's a lot of pressure for the guy who can do that, and CJ has welcomed that. He's embraced it and he's improved," said the coach of the reigning All-Fillipino champions.
"The thing I like about him is 'yung demeanor niya, his willingness, and he's coachable." (RG)
