Leonard Santillan: Making that adjustment

Leonard Santillan: Making that adjustment

by rick olivares

For Leonard “Santi” Santillan, life is all about making adjustments.

After spending two seasons with the University of Visayas in his native Cebu (he hails from Lapu Lapu City), Santi transferred to De La Salle University where for two seasons, he gained prominence for his strong and heady play inside the shaded lane.

Now, he is playing 3x3 ball with the Bataan Risers alongside three former UAAP foes in Adamson’s Sean Manganti, Ateneo’s Anton Asistio, and University of the East’s Alvin Pasaol.

There is the adjustment in terms of style of play as 3x3 ball is different if not faster-paced, and his new teammates.

“Nung dumating ako sa La Salle, na-home sick ako ng grabe,” recalled Santillan. “Dumating sa point na gusto ko na umuwi. Kaso inisip ko yung big picture na para sa future koi to kaya nagsumikap ako.”

Having hurdled that initial challenge, Santi is literally having a ball right now. 3x3 ball included. 

“Masaya kasama rito at lalo na sa mga bagong teamamtes ko,” he said referring to his Risers 3x3 teammates. “Malaking tulong din na meron kapwa Bisaya (Pasaol) rito.”

“Nakalaban ko silang lahat at malaki respeto ko sa kanilang lahat. Lalo na ngayon teammates ko sila at nakita ko yung work ethic nila.”

Coming over to the nation’s capital is also huge for Santillan because he got to meet up with one of his idols from Cebu in former PBA player Dondon Hontiveros who was on hand for the Chooks to Go 3x3 Pilipinas Leg 1 tourney at the SM Megamall. “Si Dondon kasi kilalang shooter and importante kasi na marami kang weapons at hindi lang sa loob ng lane. Importante meron kang shooting.”

And Santillan took the opportunity to shake Hontiveros’ hands hoping that some of his pistolero mojo would rub off on him. True enough, it was Santillan who buried the game winner during their second 3x3 match against the Bacoor City Strikers. And in the championship game against Grindhouse Kings Pasig, he knocked down big shots down the stretch from long range.

After the first leg championship was secured, a tired yet jubilant Santillan could not contain his excitement and joy. “Mahirap kalaban yung Pasig. Nung 3x3 pre-season wala yata silang talo. Pero kami? Adjust lang kahit malalaki rin sila. Ganoon lang naman ang buhay di ba? Adjust at laban.”

On to the next leg.