WITH Arwind Santos’ wealth of experience one would think he would be readily assuming the lead role at NorthPort.
Not so fast, according to Santos, maintaining he is willing to take the backseat while doing his best to support the goal laid down by the Batang Pier’s acknowledged resident leader in Robert Bolick.
“Nu’ng nagkausap kami ang sabi niya sa akin, ‘Kuya, ako wala na akong pakialam (sa trades). Basta ako importante basta mag-champion tayo. Gumawa tayo ng history na tayo, ang team na ito, makapag-champion,’” Santos related during an episode of The Game on One Sports+ last Wednesday night.
“Ang sabi ko, ‘Maganda iyan, kasama mo ako d’yan, suportahan kita d’yan. Sana lahat gustuhin ‘yung goal mo para mas madali. Tulong-tulong lang.’”
The 40-year-old former MVP reported to the NorthPort camp last week after being acquired in a trade with San Miguel Beer for Vic Manuel last Nov. 8.
The deal came as a big surprise since everybody expected Santos to retire with the team that he spent 12 seasons with, winning nine championships and copping two Finals MVP awards in the process.
But SMB decided to rejig the Beermen after their semis exit in the last Philippine Cup, marking the second straight year they failed to even make the finals of the tournament they ruled in the five previous years.
Aside from Santos, also traded was Alex Cabagnot, who turns 39 on Dec. 8. He was shipped to Terrafirma for Simon Enciso last Saturday.
Santos said he has received good vibes from his new team.
“Positive naman dahil welcome na welcome ako, from the coaching staff, utility, mga players,” Santos said, adding his focus now is to contribute to the Batang Pier, who have already given his former team fits in their past encounters.
“Kapag sila makakalaban talagang pinaghahandaan namin ng husto,” mused Santos. “Ilang beses na naming nakalaban ito, tinatalo lang namin ito two points, buzzer-beater. Lagi kaming nagmumuntikan sa kanila.”
It is now up to Santos to do what he can. “Wala pa nga ako sa kanila talagang may potential na sila,” he said.
“Lalo na ngayon. Di ko sinasabi na mas lumakas sila, pero tingin ko malaki maitutulong ko sa team, offense and defense,” added Santos.
“Siyempre, ‘yung leadership, kahit papaano nandoon. Tapos ‘yung laro ko same din sa San Miguel. Ang nag-iba lang naman team ko pero hindi naman ibig sabihin na babaguhin ko laro ko. In fact, mas nadagdagan nga motivation ko dahil bago team ko. Gusto ko magbigay ng malaking kontribusyon. Hindi lang sa opensa, siyempre pati sa depensa.
“Kaya I’m sure na hindi ako papayag na wala akong kontribusyon sa darating na (conference). Tingin ko magiging maganda samahan namin dito.”
