BEING the veteran and multi-titled player that he is, Arwind Santos should be leading by example for not only his younger teammates but the entire NorthPort squad.
At least that’s the main expectation of Batang Pier coach Pido Jarencio from the 40-year-old former MVP who was acquired from San Miguel Beer for Vic Manuel early last month.
“I’m happy na napunta sa amin si Arwind. He can lead this team, he can be a ‘kuya’ to the players,” Jarencio told Malaya-Business Insight.
“I’m sure na magiging malaking asset si Arwind,” added Jarencio. “Kasi nga, number one, ‘yung leadership niya and, number two, that guy’s a winner at maibabahagi n’ya sa team ang culture, ang attitude na iyon.”
The interview was the first Jarencio granted following the blockbuster trade that took everybody by surprise.
Jarencio has a ready explanation. “Hindi ko pa alam kung ano pa’ng mangyayari, indefinite pa lahat, noon,” he said.
“Ngayon, kampante na ako, settled na lahat, ito na lineup ko, mag-uumpisa na conference.
So p’wede na ‘kong magsalita.”
A glimpse of how Santos fits with his new team would be known on Wednesday when NorthPort tackles Alaska in the match kicking off the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Incidentally, SMB, which Santos played for since 2009 and won nine titles with, also plunges into action on opening day against a similarly-retooled NLEX crew.
Jarencio admitted he, too, would be eager to see how his team, with a new frontcourt combination of Greg Slaughter, import Cameron Forte and Santos, fares.
“Matibay na tatlo iyon,” Jarencio pointed out.
“Si Forte sa loob lang naglalaro, si Arwind sa labas,” added Jarencio. “Si Greg may tira sa perimeter, ‘yung import sa loob. Kapag naka-zone ang defense, i-pocket pass lang kay Greg, a seven-foot guy. Tapos nandoon si Arwind sa labas kung may help kayo.”
For Jarencio, his teammates could learn something else from Santos than just game.
