Though not fully retiring from competitive basketball just yet, Arwind Santos knows fully well that he has already left a lasting imprint on the game.
When he was still in the UAAP, the 6-foot-4 all-around forward was a unique specimen.
Though relatively skinny compared to his contemporaries, Santos’s length combined with his impeccable timing made him the anchor of Far Eastern University’s defense.
Couple that with his offensive prowess, he eventually saw himself drafted as the second overall pick in the 2006 PBA Draft – just behind 6-foot-6, Filipino-American big man Kelly Williams.
Even in the PBA, Santos dominated. He has won nine PBA championships, two Finals MVPs, a season MVP, three Defensive Player of the Year citations, and two Best Player of the Conference awards.
Having stayed in the PBA for 17 long years, of course, some kids would pattern their game after him.
When asked who he sees as the next “Spiderman” in the PBA, he thought long and hard.
The first person who came to his mind has not even made the Big League yet.
It’s none other than reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao.
“Sa ngayon, sa PBA… Marami e pero para sa akin, ang pinaka malapit siguro ay nasa college pa. Si Quiambao.”
Also standing at 6-foot-4, the 23-year-old Quiambao has been a triple threat with De La Salle University. He can shoot, rebound, and pass while also being hard to back down on defense.
Even in the international game, Quiambao has delivered for Gilas Pilipinas, including averages of 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists during the first window of the ongoing FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Regarding the current crop of PBA players, Santos has always seen himself in Troy Rosario, who currently plays for Blackwater.
“Dito sa PBA, si Troy Rosario. Nung time na nakakalaban ko siya, halos pareho kami ng laro at posisyon,” he said.
At the age of 42 and without a team, Santos knows that his playing days are numbered.
And he is open to coaching once he finally hangs up his sneakers, helping groom the next Arwind Santos.
“Siguro, why not? In fact, tumutulong ako kay Denok Miranda sa FEU. Pero kung mag-commit ka as coach, kailangan full-time ka. Ayoko yung patulong-tulong lang, pasulpot-sulpot lang pero hindi naman totally committed,” he said.
“Gusto ko pag nag-commit ka as coach, 100 percent nandun ka. Ngayon, hirap pa rin ako isabay sa mga ginagawa ko.”
