Gilas Pilipinas opened their offices for the fifth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last November 12, but Arwind Santos admitted that he had yet to feel that he has returned to the National Team. After all, just three years ago, he was suddenly pulled out of the program.
This time around, the former PBA Most Valuable Player can finally say that he is back. He joined Gilas Pilipinas during their first of two friendlies against Jordan, Monday evening.
And the physicality of international play helped him realize that.
“Mas naaalala ko yung physicality sa national team.
“Malayo, malayo kasi iba yung mga pick-an dito eh, yung screen, sobrang, sabi ko nga, physical,” shared the 12 year pro, who had five points in Gilas’ 92-99 loss to Jordan.
The last time the 6-foot-4 forward played in the national team was back in 2009. In that time, he had to play the two, three, and four-spot. This time around, he will focus solely on playing the three spot, as the team is stacked with big men.
The challenge is nothing new to him.
“Hindi naman ako naninibago sa three. Naglalaro ako sa three kay coach Yeng noon. Kahit nung nasa national team ako, alam ko naman laruin yung three,” shared Santos, as he and Norwood will be tasked to stop Nikkah Bahrami come the Iran game.
“Minsan nagiging complicated sa PBA kasi mas kailangan ako sa four. Okay din naman ako, ‘di naman nahihirapan.”
When asked to grade himself, Santos gave a perfectly apt response.
“Eight. Lucky number ko yun eh.
“Kung one to ten, kahit paano, naniniwala ako na kung sino ang matapat ko sa three, challenge sa akin yun para ma-stop ko talaga,” he remarked.
