For the first time since October 17, 2021, Arwind Santos will be donning his iconic No. 29 San Miguel jersey.
Santos will report to San Miguel for one last time on Monday to prepare for the Beermen’s clash against the Blackwater Bossing on May 1 at the Philsports Arena.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, the 2013 PBA Most Valuable Player will suit up for the said game before his jersey is retired by San Miguel at halftime.
And it will be a full-circle moment for the 42-year-old Kapampangan on Wednesday.
Santos spent 12 years with the Beermen after a trade from Burger King for Marc Pingris, Ken Bono, and a draft pick.
In his time with San Miguel, winning nine championships, two Finals MVPs, and a couple of Best Player of the Conference honors.
He also formed the dreaded ‘Death Five’ along with June Mar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, and Alex Cabagnot.
(C) PBA Images
After the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup – which saw the Beermen fall to the TNT Tropang Giga in the semis – Santos was shipped to Northport in exchange for Vic Manuel.
The Batang Pier opted not to renew Santos after the 2023 PBA on Tour, making him an unrestricted free agent.
(C) PBA Images
Santos was then reunited with father-figure Delta Pineda with the MPBL team Pampanga, where he won his final championship.
(C) Delta Pineda
On Wednesday, Santos will be reunited with his former head coach Leo Austria, Fajardo, Lassiter, and Ross for one last time.
Truly, a samahang walang katulad.
