There were no jitters for Russel Escoto as he made his San Miguel debut in the Beermen’s 2020 PBA Philippine Cup opener versus the Magnolia Hotshots, Sunday night.
And that was largely thanks to the help of his “bilas” and now his fellow Beerman, Arwind Santos.
“Kasabay ko siya papunta rito. [Sabi niya] ”Wag ka na mag-isip ng kung ano’,” said Escoto, who was traded by NorthPort Batang Pier to SMB for Kelly Nabong last January.
“Sabi niya maglaro ka lang ng maayos.”
The 6-foot-6, 27-year-old forward logged in 11 minutes and 31 seconds, registering five rebounds and three assists. But it was the presence he provided inside the paint that was felt.
The Beermen won, 94-78, immediately smashing all talk of struggling without six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo for the rest of the season while he recovers from a fractured right tibia.
But it isn’t just Santos who’s been helping him in every step along the way with his new team, said Escoto. Other veterans have also been encouraging him to simply play his game.
“Okay naman dito sa team. Laging sinasabi sa ‘kin ng mga beterano, ‘Just play your game’. Kaya nagkaka-kumpiyansa ako,” said Escoto, who, like Santos, is also from FEU.
And Escoto plans to carry that confidence with him as the season goes along.
“Simula pa lang ‘to. Alam ko naman sa sarili ko na may maitutulong ako para manalo kami.”
