GELO Santiago probably knows he's coming in as La Salle's public enemy No. 1 on Wednesday at Araneta Colisuem.
Returning just in time for National U's Final Four joust, the hard-nosed senior has seen and heard all of the statements and criticisms thrown his way, as he served his league-mandated five-game suspension.
But remember, Santiago's sin wasn't against the Green Archers.
Yes, it was the 6-foot-1 guard who lost his balance and collided with Mason Amos back in the first round which led to the latter's MCL injury. But that was inadvertent.
What Santiago had to pay for were his actions against Ateneo's Waki Espina, a dangerous ground-and-pound hit that merited an immediate disqualifying foul and the main reason for his penalty.
He also did not escape being chastised by coach Jeff Napa, no less, who instantly got on his ear and made him realize his wrongdoings.
"Pinagsabihan ko agad si Gelo kasi alam naman niyang mali yung ginawa niya. Hindi niya kailangan gawin yun at kailangan niyang pagsisihan yung kasalanan na yun," the outspoken mentor said back then.
Gelo learns his lessson
But as much as Santiago had to live by the consequences of his actions, the Bulldogs shot-caller was also the first to shield his player.
After all, there's a fine line between playing physical and playing dirty. And save for that Espina hit, Santiago has really embodied the grit-and-grind attitude that has come to define this league-leading blue-and-gold side.
As Napa put it, one's wrong does not define the person as a whole and he sure can attest that his player is far from being a bad person.
Through it all, Santiago has held his silence, knowing that any more words won't do him any favors, while also trying not to be a distraction from what has been a stellar UAAP Season 88 campaign for NU.
READ: Francisco dedicates perfect game to fellow NU glue guy Santiago
He also understands that he can't convince people to view him otherwise.
But Santiago can redeem himself to those who stuck with him in the toughest moments of his collegiate career: all of National U
"Alam niyang kailangan niyang bumawi, so kailangan niyang ipakita sa laro," said Napa.
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