Arwind Santos made history yet again on Tuesday night.
In his San Miguel Beermen’s dominant 114-91 win over Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters – which gave them a 3-1 lead in their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series – Santos climbed up the list of all-time blocks leaders.
Santos finished with two blocks, which, according to the league’s stats chief Fidel Mangonon III, moved him up to seventh past Manny Victorino, who has 817 career blocks. Up next for him is Abet Guidaben in sixth, who has 922.
“Thankful ako diyan sa award na yan.
“Nakakatuwa kasi isa ito sa mga pwede mong ipagmalaki sa mga anak mo na sumusuporta sa’yo,” said a grateful Santos, who also finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.
But Santos made it clear that he isn’t settling for his new place in the ranks. The league’s Most Valuable Player in 2013 revealed that he would like to crack the Top Five of the all-time blocks list before he rides off into the sunset.
“Ngayon, puwede ko pa abutan yung iba. Why not?” said the 13-year league veteran, who will turn 38 in June.
“Kaya ko pa naman, but hanggang kaya ko, sana maabutan ko kahit sa top five lang. Ayun, masaya na ako dun.”
However, Santos isn’t forgetting his primary goal, which is helping San Miguel win their fifth straight all-Filipino crown. But before that, they have their sights set first on closing out Phoenix in Game Five this Thursday.
“Isa na lang, sa’min na yon.”
