MANILA, Philippines — Graduating cagers Evan Nelle of La Salle and CJ Cansino of University of the Philippines will take their sweet time before deciding on their next career move – at home or elsewhere.
College basketball’s premier guards said they are leaving the plans to their respective agents as Nelle and Cansino exited the UAAP with different results after illustrious careers in the UAAP.
“Naghihintay pa kami kung anuman ang opportunity na dumating, and hopefully kung anuman ang dumating, siyempre iga-grab ko na lang ‘yun,” said Cansino, the Fighting Maroons’ team captain.
“Mag-celebrate muna kami. I haven’t talked to anybody yet about anything,” said Nelle, the starting point guard of the Green Archers.
Nelle, who started his career with San Beda with an NCAA championship, also had a graceful swan song with a La Salle title after the Green Archers’ 73-69 win over the Fighting Maroons in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 finals.
The floor general was also a former member of the NCAA Mythical Team and the UAAP Season Mythical selection this season, thus capping a marvelous career as one of the best point guards today.
Cansino, for his part, marked his career with a title in Season 84 before settling for two straight runner-up finishes with UP after starting his collegiate stint with Santo Tomas.
The former UAAP juniors MVP endured two ACL injuries in between his collegiate run but has fully recovered since to rediscover his fiery form this season as top-seed UP fell just short in the finale.
With their stacked resume, both are likely to gain international offers like the collegiate stalwarts that came before them.
One thing’s for sure though, both will be prized prospects as they enter the professional world whether it’s here at home or abroad.