PBA: At 40, ex-MVP Arwind Santos shares secret to staying power

Rey Joble

<div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='Despite his advanced age, Santos continues to be productive on the court for NorthPort. PBA Media Bureau/file' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/sports/05/21/20220521-pba-arwind-santos.jpg' ><figcaption>Despite his advanced age, Santos continues to be productive on the court for NorthPort. PBA Media Bureau/file</figcaption></figure></div>In last season’s PBA Governors’ Cup, former league Most Valuable Player Arwind Santos emerged as a top scorer, rebounder and leader in blocks, averaging 17.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.His profile includes being a nine-time PBA champion, a nine-time league Mythical First Team member, and a seven-time All-Defensive Team member all before the age of 40.But what’s Santos secret to staying power?For Santos, his lovely better half, Ivette Iza Gavieres, was a big part of his playing longevity.“Magaling lang talaga mag-alaga si misis,” Santos wrote in a text message to ABS-CBN News.Now turning 41 on June 10, Santos also attributes the discipline he showed through the years as the biggest reason why he stays in tip-top shape.His advanced age wasn’t a hindrance competing, as he even outduelled players who are younger, bigger and faster than him.<ul class='op-related-articles'>	<li><a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/20/21/pba-amid-struggle-is-smb-missing-a-veteran-voice'>PBA: Amid struggle, is San Miguel missing a veteran voice?</a></li></ul>“Magaling rin ako mag-alaga ng katawan. Hindi ako umiinom ng alak, hindi naninigarilyo at bihira ring magpuyat,” added Santos. “Parati rin akong nagpapakundisyon.”<ul class='op-related-articles'>	<li><a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/11/17/21/pba-arwind-santos-tells-fans-to-move-on-after-trade'>PBA: Arwind Santos tells fans to 'move on' after shock trade</a></li></ul>With Santos staying in deadly form, he was able to help NorthPort Batang Pier be competitive last season.The 6-foot-4, “King Tamaraw”, who led Far Eastern University to three UAAP championships, is hoping to see the Batang Pier’s full potential come the league’s new season with a healthier and better Robert Bolick, a strong candidate for the Most Valuable Player award; incoming sophomores Jamie Malonzo and Troy Rike; veteran swing man Kevin Ferrer; and sixth overall rookie pick JM Calma providing youth, energy and athleticism to the NorthPort side.

For Santos, his lovely better half, Ivette Iza Gavieres, was a big part of his playing longevity.“Magaling lang talaga mag-alaga si misis,” Santos wrote in a text message to ABS-CBN News.Now turning 41 on June 10, Santos also attributes the discipline he showed through the years as the biggest reason why he stays in tip-top shape.His advanced age wasn’t a hindrance competing, as he even outduelled players who are younger, bigger and faster than him.<ul class='op-related-articles'>	<li><a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/20/21/pba-amid-struggle-is-smb-missing-a-veteran-voice'>PBA: Amid struggle, is San Miguel missing a veteran voice?</a></li></ul>“Magaling rin ako mag-alaga ng katawan. Hindi ako umiinom ng alak, hindi naninigarilyo at bihira ring magpuyat,” added Santos. “Parati rin akong nagpapakundisyon.”<ul class='op-related-articles'>	<li><a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/11/17/21/pba-arwind-santos-tells-fans-to-move-on-after-trade'>PBA: Arwind Santos tells fans to 'move on' after shock trade</a></li></ul>With Santos staying in deadly form, he was able to help NorthPort Batang Pier be competitive last season.The 6-foot-4, “King Tamaraw”, who led Far Eastern University to three UAAP championships, is hoping to see the Batang Pier’s full potential come the league’s new season with a healthier and better Robert Bolick, a strong candidate for the Most Valuable Player award; incoming sophomores Jamie Malonzo and Troy Rike; veteran swing man Kevin Ferrer; and sixth overall rookie pick JM Calma providing youth, energy and athleticism to the NorthPort side.

His profile includes being a nine-time PBA champion, a nine-time league Mythical First Team member, and a seven-time All-Defensive Team member all before the age of 40.But what’s Santos secret to staying power?

<div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='Despite his advanced age, Santos continues to be productive on the court for NorthPort. PBA Media Bureau/file' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/sports/05/21/20220521-pba-arwind-santos.jpg' ><figcaption>Despite his advanced age, Santos continues to be productive on the court for NorthPort. PBA Media Bureau/file</figcaption></figure></div>In last season’s PBA Governors’ Cup, former league Most Valuable Player Arwind Santos emerged as a top scorer, rebounder and leader in blocks, averaging 17.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.

Despite his advanced age, Santos continues to be productive on the court for NorthPort.