ARWIND Santos has taken rookie Daniel De Guzman under his wing in this 2020 PBA Philippine Cup conference.
The 39-year-old Santos is embracing the role of a mentor to De Guzman, who signed a one-year contract with the Beermen after being the 42nd pick in the draft.
De Guzman also joined fellow rookie Wendell Comboy in the San Miguel roster inside the PBA bubble where they are looking to make their pro debut on Tuesday against Rain or Shine at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Santos recalled the first day the 29-year-old De Guzman appeared in practice with the Beermen where De Guzman, as a fan, showed a photo of him with Santos he took few years back.
“Close kami ni Daniel kasi si Daniel nagpakita agad siya ng picture sa akin nung unang dating niya. Hindi ko siya kilala,” said Santos. “Nakakatuwa naman kasi ina-idol niya ako.”
Gaining a connection with the new player, Santos gave words of encouragement as De Guzman was vying for a spot in the star-studded Beermen line-up.
“Ako, naka-assist lang ako sa kanya. Sabi ko, sige lang practice ka lang kasi hindi mo naman handle ang time kasi wala pa siyang kontrata. Practice ka lang every day. Hindi mo masasabi. Kung ako ang manager, puwede na kitang papirmahin pero hindi naman ako ang boss. Pareho tayong player,” said Santos.
De Guzman eventually landed a spot with the Beermen, and Santos continued to encourage to play his best with the champion squad.
“Ngayon, nandito ka na, naka-line-up ka, kung ano ang mako-contribute mo sa ibabaw ng lamesa namin, ibigay mon a. Hindi mo masasabi. Baka wala ng bukas para sayo. Ang dami kasing player sa Pilipinas na gustong magkaroon ng opportunity. Sabi nga nila, kapag may opportunity, grab mo na,” Santos said.
De Guzman, who last played in the MPBL before turning pro, said he is in awe not just because the player that he idolized is now his teammate, but also helps him in his rookie year in the PBA.
“Nakakatuwa dahil siya ‘yung idol ko at hindi ko ineexpect na tuturuan niya ako. Lagi niya akong sinasabihan na ganito, ganyan, kailangan ng hardwork. Everytime na sinasabi niya ‘yun, tumataas ang confidence ko,” said De Guzman.
De Guzman is expected to be a third stringer to the powerhouse San Miguel squad but Beermen coach Leo Austria said he will be a serviceable player for the team.
“Para sa akin, twinner siya eh. Puwede siyang three, puwede siyang four. Naghahanap kami ng ganung position… Na-impress kami sa kanyang energy although talagang malayo pa siya kumpara kay Arwind. But he is willing to learn every day at ‘yung hardwork niya at work ethic niya nandiyan. Nakakatuwa siya sa practice dahil he keeps on banging whether you are a point guard o Mo Taututaa. Talagang he wants to earn his slot,” said Austria.
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