New SMB recruit Russel Escoto excited to team-up with ‘bilas’ Arwind Santos

The San Miguel Beermen have decided to move on from the ‘Kelly Nabong experiment’ after the temperamental Fil-Am got involved in a practice brawl during the 30th birthday of June Mar Fajardo which eventually spelled doom for the franchise’s bid for a second triple-crown.

Nabong sided with then-import Dez Wells against the pair of veterans Arwind Santos and Ronald Tubid in a scuffle during scrimmage which resulted with Wells quietly leaving the country and indefinite suspension from team management for the three local players involved.

And for its first move after the holiday break, the team decided to ship Nabong back to NorthPort for up-and-coming stretch four Russel Escoto.

The 27-year old Escoto, who was Columbian’s pick during the special draft for Gilas cadets in 2016, will get to team-up with Santos, his ‘bilas’ and fellow Far Eastern University alumna.

“Sobrang excited ako syempre. Kapamilya ko po siya pero idol ko din talaga siya kahit nung college pa lang ako,” said Escoto whose wife is the sister of Santos’ better half.

“Idol ko lang dati, teammate ko na ngayon,” he added.

After spending three unproductive seasons in the league, Escoto is grateful for the opportunity to join a team with a winning tradition.

“Very big blessing ito from God and honored ako. It’s overwhelming in a positive way especially pinapangarap ng maraming player maging parte ng malaking franchise na PBA team,” he said.