Even while Arwind Santos is not giving up on competitive basketball just yet, he is well aware of the enduring impact he has already made.

The 6-foot-4 all-around forward was a rare phenomenon when he played in the UAAP.

Even though he was smaller than most of his peers, Santos’s length and timing made him the cornerstone of Far Eastern University’s defense.
In the end, he was selected as the second overall choice in the 2006 PBA Draft, barely behind 6-foot-6, Filipino-American big man Kelly Williams, thanks to his offensive ability.

Santos ruled the PBA as well. In addition to nine PBA titles, he has received three Defensive Player of the Year nominations, two MVPs of the Finals, a season MVP, and two Best Player of the Conference honors.

Naturally, after spending 17 arduous years in the PBA, some young people would model their style of play after him.

He gave it some serious thought when asked who he believed the PBA might regard as the next “Spiderman.”

He was thinking of someone who has not even made it to the Major Leagues.

It is none other than Kevin Quiambao, the current UAAP Most Valuable Player.

The 23-year-old Quiambao, who is also 6-foot-4, has been a triple threat for De La Salle University. He is a hard player to back down from on defense and has the ability to shoot, rebound, and pass.

Quiambao has performed admirably for Gilas Pilipinas even in the international arena, averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in the first round of the current FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Santos has always been identified with Troy Rosario, a current Blackwater player, among the current PBA crop of athletes.

Santos, who is 42 years old and without a team, is aware of the end of his playing career.
When he does put up his sneakers, he’s willing to mentor and assist develop the next Arwind Santos.