“Tinanggal ako eh. Hindi mo naman kasi puwede ipagpilitan yung sarili mo sa team na ayaw na sa ‘yo,” he said in a statement on Friday.

After a torn left ACL in his rookie year, many fans of the Growling Tigers were once again taken by surprise as the news of his sudden departure exploded on the internet.

Given the chance, Cansino would have definitely stayed in Espana if it weren’t for the unfortunate turn of events.

“Kung mabibigyan lang ako ng isang rason kahit sobrang daming rason kung bakit aalis ako, mag-stay ako eh. Kasi gusto ko pa rin maglaro sa UST. [Pero] may pangarap rin naman ako para sa sarili ko. Kaya sobrang lungkot lang na kailangan kong umalis sa UST kahit hindi ko gusto,” he said.

Despite being sacked from the team, Cansino has nothing but praise for his alma mater and UST community.

“Unang-una sa lahat, UST is my dream school kaya nalulungkot talaga ako sa nangyari. Wala akong masabi kundi salamat sa suporta ng community, fans at admin. Ibang-iba ang mga Tomasino pagdating sa suporta. Sobrang tumaba yung puso ko nung nakita ko yung suporta nila kahit na nalaman nilang lilipat ako,” he said.

The Valenzuela native is thankful to UST for giving him the opportunity to showcase his craft while dawning the yellow jersey and for supporting him despite the fact that he will be wearing a different color in the future.

“Hindi kaya i-express ng salita kung gaano ako nagpapasalamat sa UST sa pagbibigay sa akin ng opportunity na matupad ang pangarap ko. UST na yun eh. Lagi ko sinasabi na hindi ko maisip na naglalaro ako sa ibang kulay kundi dilaw lang. Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang UST.”

The 6-foot-2 stalwart averaged 5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists last UAAP season 82 and will now be wearing maroon for the University of Philippines.