Santos on Newsome: That kid can fly

Chris Newsome got the attention of the league after a poster dunk on Arwind Santos. PBA IMAGES

Arwind Santos is aware of who Chris Newsome is, but the San Miguel Beer forward admitted that had no idea what the rookie could really do.

Until that moment in the third quarter where Santos got dunked on in a highlight reel that would be played over and over again this PBA season.

READ: WATCH: Newsome announces PBA arrival with poster dunk on Santos

“Hindi ko din akalain na lilipad ng ganon yon (I didn’t know that he could jump that high),” Santos said shortly after his San Miguel Beermen beat Newsome and the Meralco Bolts Wednesday night. “Kasi yung talon ko kanina challenge lang na hilaw talaga dahil akala ko layup lang (I jumped for a weak challenge because I thought he was just going for a layup).”

“Lumilipad din pala yung bata (That kid can fly),” added Santos. “Kasi yung batang yon hindi ko din naman nasubaybayan maglaro sa uaap, hindi ko nakita (I wasn’t able to watch that kid in the UAAP. I wasn’t able to see him).”

The former MVP said that play served as a lesson for him that he should be ready every time.

READ: PBA: Beermen trump tough Bolts

And while some players would’ve gotten discouraged after taking such embarrassment, Santos said he drew motivation from it.

Santos finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds with most of his contributions coming in after Newsome’s vicious dunk at the 9:09 mark of the third quarter.

“Hindi ka dapat mawala sa game (You can’t lose focus on the game). Ako mas lalo ako ginanahan (I got pumped up after it),” said Santos.