Arwind Santos isn’t hanging up his sneakers just yet.
The jersey retirement San Miguel held on Wednesday was by no means a farewell, as the 2013 PBA MVP intends to go back and play next year.
When and where it will be remains uncertain but Santos, who last played for Pampanga in the MPBL, is sure that his career is far from done.
“That doesn’t mean na hindi na ako maglalaro,” he told reporters at the Philsports Arena in Pasig. “Kasi jersey lang naman ang naretiro.
“‘Yung passion ko, ‘yung pagmamahal ko sa basketball, nandiyan pa rin. Any time, hindi natin masabi baka maglaro ulit ako. Hindi ko lang alam kung saan.“
In fact, there were discussions between the 42-year-old and the Beermen for him to play in Wednesday’s game versus Blackwater but plans fell through.
Santos last played for NorthPort in the 2023 Governors’ Cup and became an unrestricted free agent in August, leading to his stint with the Giant Lanterns.
“OK nga sana dapat eh. Kaya lang medyo kumplikado, matatagalan kasi siya kung kailangan pa ng kontrata, ng trade, mga ganun,” he said.
“‘Yung rights ko ata, nasa NorthPort pa rin. Willing sila paglaruin ako, dapat nga mga isang buwan pa ako maglalaro sa kanila. Kaya lang ‘yun nga,” he added.
Santos, though, isn’t regretting the missed chance. He feels immensely grateful for the gesture made by the franchise he helped win nine PBA championships.
“Mas pinahalagahan ko na lang ‘yung message sa akin na, ‘Ire-retire namin ang jersey mo.’ Doon pa lang, masayang-masaya na ako,” he said.
There’s still next year, after all.
But for now, Santos’ priority is his family, and recovering from a knee injury as he plans to tread the road back to basketball – wherever it may be.
“Plano ko, bumalik ako next year para maglaro. Family time muna, siyempre. Business muna,” the three-time Defensive Player of the Year said.
“Kailangan ng pahinga kasi mas nafi-feel ko ngayon, ‘pag nagpapahinga siya, mas lumalakas siya,” he added.
“I’m hoping, gusto ko pa rin makabalik.”
