Arwind Santos has just joined an elite group this Sunday evening.
The 2013 PBA MVP has become the eighth player in league history to earn 800 career blocks, which he reached during the San Miguel Beermen’s clash with the NorthPort Batang Pier, Sunday evening at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Santos achieved the feat when he blocked the lay-up attempt of Batang Pier rookie Robert Bolick with 3:29 left in the second frame. That would be the only block he would collect in the game, which SMB won, 113-107.
“Siyempre nagpapasalamat ako dahil naging part na ako ng… pangwalo ba? Pangwalo,” said the 37-year-old Santos after the match. “Ang kinakatuwa ko, hindi pa naman tapos ako maglaro so pwede pang umangat ng kaunti.
“Tingin ko kaya pa naman siguro kahit mga 900 kung maglalaro pa ako ng mga three years.”
But more than enriching his new personal accolade, what would really satisfy Santos is if he would be of help for the Beermen. SMB are now riding a four-game winning streak in the 2019 Philippine Cup.
“Pero maliban diyan, gusto ko pa rin every game nakakatulong ako, kung makaka-contribute ako ng blocks, why not?” said the 13-year veteran. “Mas okay yun, pero siyempre may chance, maganda na rin yung may goal ka.
“Para at least kahit papaano yung goal na yun magagamit mo in a good thing,” Santos added.
“Syempre kapag nakaka-block ka, kailangan nananalo, hindi yung marami ka ngang blocks pero natatalo. Dapat balanced.”
Still, Santos made it known that winning their fifth straight all-Filipino title is his primary goal.
“Yung champion talaga ng All-Filipino, yun talaga yung gusto namin ma-straight hangga’t maaari.
“Yun ang pinakagoal ko, maka-five or maka-six,” closed the seven-time PBA champion.
