SMB to retire Arwind Santos’ jersey number

San Miguel’s decision to retire Arwind Santos’ jersey number is a fitting tribute to the player who has left an indelible mark on the franchise’s history.

Team manager Gee Abanilla expressed that this ceremony is the highest honor that the Beermen can bestow upon Santos, who played a pivotal role in securing nine championships for the team during his impressive tenure from 2009 to 2021.

Santos, known for donning the No. 29 jersey during his time with San Miguel, will have his number officially retired on May 1 during halftime of the Beermen’s game against Blackwater at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Abanilla revealed that discussions about this ceremony had been ongoing, and it was only finalized by management recently.

“We’re going to retire his jersey number. Magbibigay kami ng kaunting tribute for Arwind for all his contributions sa franchise,” said Abanilla.

“It’s just a way of giving back also to him (as a player). Nagustuhan din naman ng management yung mga binigay niya sa amin in the past. So just showing him some gratitude also,” he added.

As a former PBA MVP in 2013, Santos’ contributions to the team go beyond his accolades, having also been selected as a 12-time All-Star, two-time Finals MVP, and two-time Best Player of the Conference.

Despite his departure from the team in 2021, when he was traded to Northport for Vic Manuel, Santos’ contributions to San Miguel will forever be etched in the annals of the franchise’s history.

Despite the jersey retirement, Abanilla clarified that this does not necessarily mean Santos will not have the opportunity to play for San Miguel one last time. It seems that this recognition is all Santos had been hoping for, a fitting tribute to his contributions to the team’s legacy.

“Ok na yun. I think he wants to retire. I think yun lang yung talagang gusto niya. It’s a personal choice also.”