By WAYLON GALVEZ
Manila, Philippines – Arwind Santos has sorted out problems with the coaching staff following a heart-to-heart talk on the eve of Game 6 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Ok naman ‘yung naging paguusap namin,” said Santos. “Nakapag-open up ako sa kanila (coaching staff), nalaman nila ‘yung nararamdaman ko. Sabi naman sakin ng mga coaches kailangan talaga nila ang tulong ko, malaki ang inaasahan sa akin. So focus lang ako sa laro.”
Santos made just two points and four rebounds in 18 minutes of action during the Boosters’ 114-103 loss to San Mig Coffee Sunday.
It was the second straight game – and third in five matches – that Santos had a so-so performance.
On the night he received his first ever MVP trophy, Santos was held to eight points and three boards with two turnovers, the last giving the Mixers an 88-86 win in Game 4 Friday.
Santos attributes his struggle to a change in position.
The 6-foot-3 Santos told rookie mentor Gee Abanilla that he was more comfortable with the No. 4 position or the power forward spot rather than the ‘3’ spot which is the small forward.
“Na-explain ko sa kanila ‘yun, ang sabi naman nila gagawa ng paraan ang coaching staff. Tiwala naman ako na magiging maganda ang resulta,” Santos said.
Another thing that bothers Santos is the condition of his mother Arceli, who is currently confined in a hospital in Marikina due to pneumonia since Monday. Santos said his mother had lung problems in the past.
“Naka-recover na s’ya, kasi dati smoker si mama. Huminto na s’ya mga two years na. Pero ayun nga naka-confine s’ya, dahil na din siguro sa stress. Sa akin challenge din ito kasi gusto ko mapasaya si mama and sana maka-bawi kami sa Game 6,” he said.