"Spiderman dunk" now prohibited in new post-slam hanging rule

Starting this season, Arwind Santos' "Spiderman dunk" will not be allowed. PBA Media Group (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Arwind Santos' trademark "Spiderman dunk" could now be a thing of the past.

In a new Philippine Basketball Association ruling made by Commissioner Willie Marcial that was released on Tuesday, cases like those of Santos, who does some entertainment to the fans by planting both his feet at the backboard after jamming the ball in a la Spiderman, will now be meted "with an unsportsmanlike technical foul."

Meanwhile, Marcial cited two cases in which a technical foul will not be slapped after a slam: if a player hangs to protect himself or another player from getting hurt or basically wait for the area where he will jump down to be clear and if the said dunker just hangs momentarily and will quickly descend to the floor.

Santos' San Miguel squad will make its Philippine Cup debut on Friday night against Columbian.

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