MPBL: Basilan announces Arwind Santos signing after Starhorse's PBA interest revealed

Arwind Santos fulfilled his promise by joining Basilan for the 2025 MPBL season. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Basilan dropped an MPBL transfer bomb on Saturday after announcing that it has just signed up Arwind Santos.

Santos, who will turn 44 this June, indeed stayed true to his word when he said last year after San Miguel retired his PBA jersey that he plans to play pro ball again in 2025.

"We are thrilled to work with you and embrace the values of dedication and perseverance!" the Steel said in a statement.

The six-foot-four forward last played for Pampanga in 2023, helping the team then led by now Converge star rookie Balti Baltazar capture its first MPBL title.

Santos revealed that there was a plan for him to return to the Beermen even for a short time during the previous PBA Philippine Cup, but they could not strike an agreement with the NorthPort Batang Pier, who hold his rights.

The former Far Eastern University King Tamaraw decided to take the entire 2024 off, although his absence was hardly felt when the Giant Lanterns successfully defended their MPBL championship, and now, he is returning this time with the Steel.

Curiously enough, Santos' signing came a day after it was revealed that Starhorse, the new chief backer of Basilan, already expressed its intent on joining the PBA with talks ongoing about acquiring the Terrafirma franchise.

While Starhorse can inherit the entire Terrafirma roster lock stock and barrel once the franchise sale is complete, it is also possible that Starhorse can add Santos to the new team, although as aforementioned, they have to agree in terms first with NorthPort.

Other former PBA veterans who are now part of Basilan in the MPBL are Jeff Viernes, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, and Jervy Cruz.

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