FILE–Arwind Santos during his time with San Miguel. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Arwind Santos vowed to be the same player he once was as he brings his star power to his new team NorthPort after winning nine championships during his long tenure at San Miguel.
Santos is known for his two-way game—a defensive and rebounding menace and an offensive weapon—and he has no doubt that he can still be that player for the Batang Pier while also providing much-needed veteran presence.
“I’ll provide my leadership and my game will be the same thing when I was with San Miguel,” Santos said in Filipino on the sports talk show The Game.
“I may have changed teams but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to change my game as well. In fact, I’m more motivated because I’m in a new team and I want to be able to contribute significantly not only on offense but also on defense.”
The 40-year-old forward, who spent the last 12 seasons with San Miguel, was let go by the Beermen on November 8 for Vic Manuel in a stunning trade.
And though, the move sent shockwaves, the two-time Finals MVP quickly put it behind him as he focuses on the new chapter of his career at NorthPort.
“My message to all the fans especially to the loyal San Miguel fans is to just accept what happened. There’s nothing permanent in this world. Move on,” Santos said.
“I may end up playing at San Miguel again in the future, we’ll never know but one thing’s for sure, I will always give my best for all of you whichever team I play for.”
Santos also offered high praise for NorthPort and its budding superstart Robert Bolick.
“The team already had a lot of potential before I came here. I think I’ll be able to be of big help offense and defense. We’re looking at automatic semis and when we get there we’re just going to take it game by game because reaching our gaol won’t be easy. There are a lot of strong teams in the league,” he said. “But I know we’re capable of reaching our goal.”
“He (Bolick) has a bright future ahead of him. He’s such a very effective player and his goal is to really win a championship.”