By REYNALD MAGALLON
Arwind Santos was honored to see his number 29 jersey retired by San Miguel Beer – a franchise where he played for 12 years and was a huge part of the team’s nine championship.
The 2013 PBA Most Valuable Player, also known for his nickname ‘Spiderman’ had his jersey retired by the Beermen on Wednesday, May 1, during the halftime of San Miguel’s game against Blackwater.
Santos was joined by his family, current SMB players and coaches, team governor Robert Non, SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial as the Beermen paid tribute to his well-decorated career with the framed No.29 SMB jersey.
Also in attendance were his former teammates particularly the Beermen famous ‘Death Five’ squad Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter and June Mar Fajardo.
“Ang gusto ko lang naman manalo, magandang buhay sa larangan ng basketball, mag-champion. Di na pumasok sa isip ko yung opportunity na yon na pwede ko pa palang ma-achieve pa at binigay sa akin. Sobrang wala na akong hihilingin pa,” said the 42-year-old forward.
It was a fitting celebration to Santos’ colorful career with the Beermen where, aside from his lone MVP award, he also won two Finals MVP plum, two Defensive Player of the Year award, and two Best Player of the Conference awards.
Santos joined a legendary group of players that had their jerseys retired by the league’s oldest franchise that include Allan Caidic, Yves Dignadice, Hector Calma, Olsen Racela, Ramon Fernandez and the late Samboy Lim.
“Sobrang sarap talaga ng feeling, mga legend na yon. Pang-pito lang ako, iilan lang siya. Di naman ganung kadali talaga i-retire yung jersey,” said Santos, who also made sure to look back to his humble beginnings back in Lubao, Pampanga.
“Hindi lahat nakakakuha ng ganoong opportunity kaya sobrang thankful ako kay Lord, kay boss RSA, boss Al, boss robert, na binigyan nila ako ng chance,” he added.
