Happy Birthday, John Rodney Santos ( May 30 )

Happy Birthday, John Rodney Santos

Source : Assorted Magazines (PBA Archives Collections)

7x PBA champion 
San Sebastián Golden Stag
1996 PBA Rookie Draft 2nd overall pick
2x PBA Mr. Quality Minutes

John Rodney Santos actually, wasn't supposed to be drafted at that time, as he still owes a year of his collegiate eligibility to San Sebastian College, which he led to three successive championships in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). But fate had its way. In late 1995, Santos was approached by then Purefoods coach Chot Reyes to lure him of entering the pro league the following year. Rodney gave it a deep thought. Besides, he had already proven himself in the collegiate ranks, while getting his spurs in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). But what might have been the best complement yet Rodney got from Reyes was his word that he would draft him second overall in the PBA rookie draft. "Noong una mahirap magdesisyon kasi malaki na rin ang utang na loob ko kay coach Turo (Valenzona) sa Baste na pwede pa ako makaisa bago umakyat," recalls Rodney. "Pero minsan lang ang pagkakataong ito na makalaro sa PBA." And with Valenzona's blessing, Santos skipped his last year of collegiate eligibility to turn pro and Reyes kept his word, getting him next to Aquino, who went to Ginebra San Miguel (now Gordon's Gin). Purefoods got itself a "slasher" of a guard, as Chot assesed him.  Onward to the present. Rodney was traded by Purefoods to, ironically, Alaska, together with relief center Bryant Punsalan for backup center Cris Bolado. Rodney now sees himself playing side-by-side with Jojo Lastimosa, whom he admires for his play, along with resident stars Johnny Abarrientos and Bong Hawkins. "Maiiba ang role ko rito dahil support lang ako rito kina Johnny, Jojo at Bong pero maganda iyon para sa akin at para sa team," said Rodney, also part of numerous national teams in the past, most recently the 1995 squad that won the Southeast Asian Games basketball crown in Chiang Mai, Thailand. His notable teammates back then include Aquino, Bal David, Reuben dela Rosa and this season's third overall rookie pick Jason Webb.