Santillan, Pasaol hold off PBA Draft plans to focus on 3×3

Alvin Pasaol (left), Santi Santillan (third to left) and the Wilkins Balanga Pure. CHOOKS PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Santi Santillan and Alvin Pasaol have decided to postpone their applications for the 2020 PBA Draft and stay with the Chooks to Go Pilipinas 3×3 for the league’s second season.

The former De La Salle Green Archer is expected to be a top-five pick in this year’s professional draft but he decided to withdraw his name to focus on the country’s bid for an Olympic berth.

“I told the people close to me, my family, that there’s an offer from Chooks,” said Santillan, the no.3 3×3 player in the country. “My mother allowed me to stay with Chooks first so I decided to not join the Draft first.”

Pasaol, who himself is a projected lottery pick, is also not declaring for the draft

“I’m always with Alvin and he’s always telling me that what we’re doing with Chooks is for the country,” Santillan said.

Santillan played two years for the Green Archers before suiting up Marinerong Pilipino and Go for Gold-Benilde Blazers in the PBA D-League and Wilkins-Balanga Pure in the Chooks 3×3.

He has represented the Philippines in numerous Fiba 3×3 World Tours and Challengers while playing in the 3×3 league.

“When you’re playing 3×3, there’s a chance that you can play with the best players from the other countries that’s why I have this high commitment with the league,” said Santillan.

Santillan added that he’s excited to play with Pasaol for one more season with Balanga, starting with the Magiting Cup. “I still want to play with Pasaol.”