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| PBA (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASIG--Although already graduated 11 years ago, Arwind Santos has still been present in FEU's games whether in the UAAP or even in the PBA D-League.
But just like the situation of the current core of the Tamaraws, playing under the name Phoenix Accelerators, Santos' Tams also tasted success in the D-League's de facto predecessor PBL as the Viva Water Force, winning titles in 2004 and 2006.
Asked by Dugout Philippines on his reaction now that Phoenix-FEU is a win away from the D-League Aspirants Cup title, the San Miguel star said, "Privileged ako as a part of the FEU alumni dahil part na ng buhay ko ang FEU. Masaya ako na mapakinggan ko naang FEU ay laging nagiging successful sa mga liga sa basketball kasi doon din ako galing."
[Related Story: Pogoy buries winner as Phoenix-FEU steals Game 3 from Cafe France]
But when asked about the comparison of the Accelerators' D-League campaign and the Water Force's PBL days, Santos answered, "Sobrang competitive noong time namin sa PBL. Hindi ko sinasabing hindi ganoon ka-competitive ang D-League, pero kami noon, sobrang dami kaming teams noon. Sina James Yap, nakasabay ko. So marami kaming nag-PBA noon."
Before becoming Star's main man, Yap played for Welcoat in the PBL. The club would join the PBA and has since been renamed Rain Or Shine.
Asked on why Phoenix-FEU, the reigning UAAP champions, continues to be that dominant in the college play and is now making a name in the D-League, Santos reasoned, "Itong D-League ang stepping stone para pwede ka nang maglaro sa PBA. Nakakatulong ito lalo na kung naglalaro ka pa sa UAAP kasi nagma-mature yung laro mo, natututo ka, at hindi ka nangangalawang."
He also thinks RR Pogoy, the hero of the Accelerators' Game 4 win on Thursday, is among the Tams who could make it big in the PBA.
"Sina [Mac] Belo, Pogoy, [Mike] Tolomia, [Raymar] Jose, at [Russel] Escoto, magsha-shine ang mga yan," Santos said in particular.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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