PBA: Arwind Santos still finding his rhythm in return, makes his impact off the court

Arwind Santos in his return from injury in NorthPort’s first win the PBA Governors’ Cup. -PBA IMAHES

MANILA, Philippines—Arwind Santos came back to the hardcourt after months of being sidelined due to a knee injury, but he said that he is still some ways away from being a hundred percent.

In Northport’s breakthrough 115-100 win against Terrafirma in the PBA Governors’ Cup tournament, Santos played for just seven minutes and a rebound. But the PBA veteran made sure to find the silver lining in his return.

“The good thing here is I got to suit up and get our first win. There’s still hope somehow [for a playoffs appearance], still light in our run somewhere, so let’s see. I’ll be on the bench and if they use me, then I’ll just try and try,” Santos said in Filipino at Philsports Arena on Wednesday.

WATCH: Arwind Santos talks about getting back on the court for Northport.

Santos suffered a knee injury just before the Commissioners’ Cup conference last year. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/dO126mEGhd

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 22, 2023

“This is not yet a hundred percent. If this was me being a hundred percent, my playing time would be longer and I would have gotten lots of rebounds and points. Our coaches and teammates know the situation so that’s how they used me. Also, I just attended practice three days ago so I’m still trying to keep up,” he also reiterated.

The big man, however, explained that his knee is at “75 percent” with some slight pain still lingering.

Santos suffered the knee injury just before the Commissioners’ Cup which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the past conference and has since undergone surgery.

Northport big man JM Calma. –PBA IMAGES

In place of Santos in the forward/center position was JM Calma, who made the most of his extended minutes for Batang Pier.

The San Sebastian product came away a rebound shy of a double-double with 18 points and nine boards to give coach Bonnie Tan his first win in the PBA as an official head coach.

Calma made sure to acknowledge his “Kuya’s” advice to heart and credited him for his stellar outing against Dyip.

“My proper box out stance and small mistakes, he’s (Arwind) the one who corrects me, even if he’s not playing, he’s there to guide me,” said Calma.

Tan, meanwhile, said he knew Santos is still finding his rhythm, thus making sure to give him limited minutes to avoid any major mishaps.

What mattered to the coach was his big man’s off-the-court contributions and the win.

“Arwind still doesn’t have the right timing yet but before the game, we talked about his return. Even if he doesn’t score, he will sacrifice his role of being a role player just to win,” the collegiate champion coach said.

“We all know what Arwind can bring, which is his strength and rebounding so that’s what he tries to bring for our team to improve.”

Northport, which currently stands at 1-6, will take a three-day break before heading back to the road against Blackwater at Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.