UP’s Nelle van La Salle and Cansino lead the early crop of PBA hopefuls

“I’m very excited about this next chapter of my life, which has always been my dream,” said La Salle’s Evan Nelle after putting his name in the PBA Rookie Draft along with UP’s CJ Cansino and CJ Catapusan, and Paul Garcia of Ateneo.

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle Green Archer general Evan Nelle and former UP Fighting Maroons team captain CJ Cansino headline the early prospects for July’s PBA Rookie Draft.

The two UAAP champions were joined by CJ Catapusan of UP and Paul Garcia of Ateneo, their agent Charlie Dy told Rappler on Wednesday, June 19.

“I am very excited about this next chapter of my life, which has always been my dream,” said Nelle. “I’m excited to learn from my new coaches, teammates, vets and opponents. I can’t wait to play with the greats. I hope I succeed. Praying that a team will choose me and trust me. This is it.”

Dy of Virtual Playground Global Management submitted the draft applications on behalf of the quartet at the league’s headquarters in Libis, Quezon City on Wednesday.

Nelle helped La Salle to the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball title at the expense of the Maroons in a series that went the distance.

In La Salle’s dual victories, the all-around guard nearly scored a triple-double, with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 8.5 assists on top of 3.5 steals and 1 block as La Salle captured his 10th UAAP title.

Prior to his time at La Salle, Nelle played for the San Beda Red Lions where he also won the NCAA Season 94 crown.

Meanwhile, Cansino will advance to Asia’s premier professional league after signing for the Iloilo United Royals of the MPBL.

He told Rappler that joining the PBA would fulfill a dream he and his family could only imagine a few years ago.

“Although I’m nervous, all I need is a chance to play for a team that will trust me completely,” Cansino said in Filipino.

“I’m excited because I’m getting one step closer to my dream, and hopefully I’ll be drafted by a team where I can make a good contribution. (I’m also looking forward) to confronting those who inspired me and taught me to dream.”

Although Cansino was hit by two ACL injuries in college, he helped both the UST Growling Tigers and the Maroons to the UAAP finals.

Cansino, hobbled by a knee injury, hit several big shots in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 84 finals, where UP ended a 36-year championship drought after a pulsating overtime win.

The team captain finished his final collegiate season in 2023, scoring 10.9 points on a 36% clip from three-point land with 3.1 rebounds.

Cansino’s teammate in both UP and Iloilo, Catapusan, will also join the ranks after showing his scoring chops and desire to deliver in the clutch.

“One of my dreams in life is to play in the PBA,” Catapusan said in Filipino. “I have been watching the PBA since I was a kid and this is a unique opportunity for me to participate in the draft.”

Garcia, who was a member of Ateneo’s UAAP Season 85 championship team, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to turn pro in the PBA.

“Participating in the PBA is something I worked for and dreamed of as a child. I am grateful to my family and management who have supported and encouraged me every step of the way,” said Garcia.

The PBA set a July 4 draft filing deadline, with the Converge FiberXers tipped as the frontrunners to land the top overall selection. – Rappler.com