SANTILLAN
ALL OF this is not new to talented forward Leonard Santillan. He’s been down this road before after initially committing to transfer to National University back in 2014 before eventually making a return to Cebu and the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers.
However, the one-time Philippine National Youth Team member vowed that this time around, there is no turning back as he intends to stay the course and take a step closer towards his dream of making it to the big league—the PBA.
Hard as it was to leave the comforts of home, Santillan said it was the best thing to do for him and his aspirations.
“My thing is the opportunity is there before me and I didn’t want to waste it. Playing in the UAAP would bring me closer to my dreams of making to the PBA. I’m just very excited to work hard here,” said the 6-foot-4 forward, speaking days after news of their impending transfer to the Diliman-based school broke out.
It can be recalled that Santillan was recruited to join the Bulldogs back in 2014 shortly after his stint with the Batang Gilas. And he would be still a Bulldog to this day had it not been for then UV assistant coach Bong Pineda.
“I was able to return to Cebu during that time because I got a phone call from Coach Bong (Pineda) telling me to come back. I got scared so I came back,” Santillan shared with a laugh.
The young cager also shared that he felt comfortable with the choice he made and the place he finds himself at the moment.
“There’s a lot of familiar faces here. Marami Bisaya like sila Paul (Desiderio) and (Henry) who were my teammates before sa Batang Gilas.”
In spite of the new surroundings, Santillan added that he will always bring a part of the Lancer spirit with him.
“I will always think of UV. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”