SANTI Santillan is making sure he remains a major part of Rain or Shine’s scheme of things, especially now that the team is back at full strength.
Santillan proved that by coming up with a double-double last Sunday as the Elasto Painters dealt pacesetting Magnolia its first loss in the PBA Philippine Cup.
“Kailangan kong magstep-up at kailangan ko maging agresibo, lalong-lalo na sa depensa at sa rebounding,” Santillan said after finishing with 17 points and 13 rebounds in the 119-105 victory at Ynares Center II in Montalban, Rizal.
The performance earned the fourth-year forward the nod as the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week for May 14 to 18.
Santillan bested teammate Adrian Nocum, Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson, Converge’s Alec Stockton and San Miguel Beer’s Rodney Brondial while becoming the fifth player to win the weekly honor multiple times this season.
TNT’s Calvin Oftana has three to lead the Order of Merit award, while Santillan is tied with NorthPort’s Joshua Munzon, Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero and Meralco’s Bong Quinto with two apiece.
Rain or Shine improved to 4-2 in the all-Filipino tournament, with Santillan among the key components.
Earlier in the conference, Santillan had to do more with Beau Belga, Keith Datu and Caelan Tiongson missing several games for the three.
All three have since returned and were also instrumental in the Elasto Painters’ recent form while allowing Santillan to return to his natural position playing the four spot.
