Kevin Santos was part of the last Colegio de San Juan de Letran team that won an NCAA title and so far, he's showing why he might just be one of the keys to deliver the next one for Muralla.
The third-year bruiser has been exceptional in the past week of the NCAA Season 100, lifting the resurgent Knights to joint second with no less than last year's finalist Mapua University and just behind league-leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
The versatile big man averaged an impressive double-double of 14.5 points and 10.0 rebounds along with 5.5 blocks, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 assists in their last two games to earn the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week award, making him the second straight Letran player to be recognized with the weekly honor after Pao Javillonar.
The 6-foot-7 high-flying big man's brilliance steered Letran to twin victories over Emilio Aguinaldo College and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, both of which are considered Final Four contenders.
"Aggressive lang sa depensa namin, at saka 'yung sistema sinunod ko lang. Tiwala lang ako kay Coach Allen [Ricardo] na kapag bubunutin ako, ready ako lagi, ibibigay ko lang 100% ko," Santos, who was part of Letran's Season 98 championship team, said.
[I've been aggressive on defense and following the system. I just trust in Coach Allen and when he calls my number, I'm ready and I give my 100%.]
Santos dropped a career-high 17 points against the Generals while also posting five rebounds, six blocks, and a steal to power their narrow 75-73 escape.
He then erupted for a double-double effort of 12 markers and 15 boards alongside five blocks, one assist, and two steals to help Letran eke out a thrilling 82-73 triple overtime win against the ALTAs, hiking their card to 5-2.
Santos, according to head coach Allen Ricardo, is expected to put together big numbers as the Knights go deeper in their redemption tour.
“Medyo nagiging composed na siya, so for the upcoming games I am looking forward na mas gaganda pa ‘yung attitude niya at body language niya going to those games, at alam ko na magkakaroon siya ng malaking impact sa team,” Ricardo said.
[He is becoming more composed, so for the upcoming games I am looking forward to seeing even more improvement in his attitude and body language going into those games and I know he'll have a big impact for the team.]
Santos edged out teammate Jimboy Estrada, Arellano do-it-all guard T-Mc Ongotan, and reigning MVP Clint Escamis of Mapua for the weekly award voted upon and deliberated by print and online scribes covering the collegiate sports beat.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
