The next King Tamaraw? Arwind Santos’ choice is Mac Belo

MANILA, Philippines – If Arwind Santos could personally handpick a new King Tamaraw years after he reigned with the same title, his choice, no doubt, is forward Mac Belo.

“Si Belo talaga ang pang King Tamaraw kasi nakita naman natin na kaya niya bitbitin ang FEU team,” the 2013 PBA MVP said of forward Belo after Far Eastern University’s Finals Game 1 win over National University. (Belo is a good fit for King Tamaraw because we saw how he carries the FEU team.)

Santos, who led FEU to 3 titles from 2003 to 2005, came to support his old team in Game 1 of the best-of-3 Finals affair as the Morayta-based crew yearns to win the UAAP crown for the first time since Santos himself played. 

And from where he was seated behind the Tamaraws’ bench, Santos saw the third year Belo churn out 8 points, 7 rebounds and two assists to help his team draw first blood. Although it was a far cry from his 28-point average during the Final Four against ousted champions La Salle, Santos was still impressed.

So much so that he thinks Belo is ripe enough to turn pro.

“Marami pang mai-improve si Belo. Pero ngayon pa lang kung titignan mo pwedeng pwede na siya sa PBA,” said the former two-time UAAP MVP. “Kasi yung height niya pwede mo ma-posisyon ng 2-4.”

(Belo can still improve on a lot of things. But right now he is already very much ready for the PBA. With his height you can put him in the 2 to 4 positions.) 

The quiet and reserved 6-foot-3 Belo broke out of his shell this season, showcasing his formidable versatility as a forward with a mean post game and attack mentality. He can bring the ball down seamlessly, even start the play, and hit perimeter shots. So far in season 77, he’s normed 17 points, 7 rebounds and two assists a game. He dropped his season-high 32 points in an FEU loss to the Archers in the Final Four.

How would the former King Tamaraw compare himself to the potential new King? 

“Mas magaling siya mag-dribble sa akin,” said Santos, who now plays for the San Miguel Beermen. “Nung time na naglalaro ako sa FEU, hindi ako nagdadala ng bola lagi at nagkakaroon ng isolation on top. Ang power ko noon is rebounding, blocking, and ball screen.”

(He is a better dribbler than me. In my time playing for FEU, I don’t always bring the ball down and create the isolation on top. My power then was rebounding, blocking and ball screen.)

Apart from his game, it’s Belo’s leadership that gets Santos’ vote of confidence.

“Kung ico-compare mo rin sa time ko, hindi naman ako magiging King kung hindi dahil sa mga teammates ko, sila Denok Miranda, Mark Isip, Jeff Chan. Sa kanya (Belo), andyan din yung Mike Tolomia, yung RR Pogoy. Halos lahat.”

(If you compare it with my time, I would never have been King if it weren’t for my teammates such as Denok Miranda, Mark Isip, Jeff Chan. With Belo, he also has Mike Tolomia and RR Pogoy. Almost everyone.) 

Usually portraying an emotionless demeanor, Belo let loose in what will likely be one of his most memorable UAAP moments when he sank a game-winning corner three-pointer at the buzzer to break the tie and send La Salle home in the Final Four. 

Santos said he saw that game and how Belo reacted to the biggest shot of his life. 

“Ang ganda nung larong yun.” (That was a great game.)

‘Game 2 is the toughest’

The Tamaraws will have two chances to win the crown. Obviously, they are looking to finish off the Bulldogs by Game 2. But winning Wednesday’s game will be the most difficult, according to Santos.

“Yan yung pinakamahirap yung Game 2 eh,” he said. “Tingin ko kasi paghahandaan talaga sila ng NU Bulldogs kasi nakauna tayo.” (Game 2 is the toughest. I think the NU Bulldogs will prepare hard for them because they got their noses ahead.) 

If it is difficult to win Game 2, what must FEU’s mindset be coming into the match?

“Para sa akin, attitude number one. Kailangan paghandaan mo kung ano ibibigay, kung meron physicality yung NU. Malamang magbibigay yan para mawala ka sa focus,” Santos explained. (For me, attitude is number one. You have to prepare for what they will give you, if NU will give you physicality. They likely will to put you out of focus.)

He also warned against FEU’s tendency in previous years to play individual basketball.

“Number two, kailangan stick ka sa system ng coach. Huwag ka mawawala. Baka biglang mag-buwakaw ka, maging selfish ka. Kailangan stay ka lang doon sa kung saan kayo nanalo.” (Number two, they need to stick with coach’s system. Don’t get lost. You might hog the ball and play selfish. You need to stay with what got you the win in the first place.)

He added, “And dagdagan ang depense sa big man ng NU, malamang bibigyan ng bibigyan ng bola yung bigs ng mga yun.” (And improve the defense on NU’s big man, for sure NU’s bigs will keep getting the ball.)

FEU’s team captain Belo will also have to step up and rally his teammates once again to dutifully play their role like they did in Game 1.

These Finals serve as the true test of Belo’s leadership and worthiness. Whether he inherits the King Tamaraw title will depend on how Game 2 and possibly Game 3 will play out.

It’s been 9 years since FEU won a title. There have been a couple other King Tamaraws after Santos. A new King Tamaraw is rising to take the throne. And if the Tamaraws manage to tame the very determined and unpredictable Bulldogs, then Belo will finally be crowned King. – Rappler.com