Anxiety attacks during his days in quarantine last month compelled former University of Santo Tomas standout Crispin John “CJ” Cansino to leave his practices in Sorsogon and go home.
After a misunderstanding with coach Aldin Ayo, Cansino said one thing led to another, until he was eventually kicked out of the team last Thursday.
A thankful 21-year-old Cansino said this as he explained the timeline involving his eventual transfer to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in an interview during the weekly online program of “The Chasedown” on Facebook Live.
“May rason kung bakit gusto ko nang umuwi. Kasi, gusto kong mag refresh nu'ng nandun ako. Alam kong hindi ko kayang magtrabaho, hindi ko na kayang mag-practice. Kasi inaatake na ako ng anxiety,” said the 6'2" Cansino.
Speaking from his residence in Valenzuela, Cansino explained that his condition has affected his sleep and eating habits, which he tried to explain this to Ayo.
“Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi nila ako maintindihan. Pero alam ko sa sarili ko, at alam din ng mga teammates ko na na-explain ko ito nang maayos,” added Cansino.
Eventually, Ayo told him that he is out of the team. And that he can pack his bags and look for another varsity squad that will accept him.
“Defiance of authority,” was among the words that Cansino heard Ayo say on why he is out of the team.
But there was no further explanation given.
With the help of his manager, Charlie Dy, Cansino got to talk to the coaches of four other schools, aside from UP.
These included the coaching staff of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the La Salle Green Archers, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, the Adamson Falcons and the Letran Knights.
And he needed 48 hours to make a decision.
That's because if he did not, he will miss an opportunity to enjoy a one-year residency period.
By next week, a student athlete, who transfers to another member school in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, will need to go into a two-year residency period before he is eligible to play.
“Dito ako nakaramdam ng connection, nu'ng kinausap ko ang mga taga-UP. Nu'ng nag-graduate ako sa juniors, pareho ito sa feeling ko nu'ng nag-senior ako sa UST,” said Cansino, who was contacted by UP Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) manager Atty. Agaton Uvero and head coach Bo Perasol.
He also had a meeting with several coaches on Friday.
Words of encouragement from Maroons' teammates Ricci Rivero on Twitter eventually helped Cansino make up his mind.