I still remember the first time I saw Jimmy Santos play—it was during the 1985 PBA season, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his approach to the game. He wasn’t the tallest guy on the court, but he moved with a kind of purpose that you don’t see often. Over the years, I’ve followed his career closely, and what stands out to me isn’t just his stats or his championship rings—though he’s got plenty of those—but the mindset he brought to every game. One quote in particular has always stuck with me: “Dahil doon, feeling ko kaya ko kunin lahat ng rebound kung makakatalon ako ng maayos.” That line, spoken in Tagalog, translates roughly to, “Because of that, I feel like I can grab every rebound if I can jump properly.” It’s a simple statement, but it reveals so much about his philosophy: success in basketball, and maybe in life, often comes down to fundamentals executed with confidence.
Jimmy’s journey to stardom in the Philippine Basketball Association wasn’t exactly a straight shot. He started with the Tanduay Rhum Makers in the early ’80s, and honestly, his early numbers weren’t eye-popping—maybe 8 points and 6 rebounds per game in his rookie year. But what he lacked in flash, he made up for in consistency and hustle. I’ve always admired players who understand that rebounding isn’t just about height; it’s about timing, positioning, and that sheer will to out-jump your opponent. Jimmy embodied that. By the mid-’80s, he was pulling down rebounds in double digits regularly, and I’d argue that his work on the boards was a key reason his teams often overperformed. He played for squads like Shell and Purefoods later on, and wherever he went, he brought that same blue-collar ethic. It’s no surprise he ended up with around 5,000 career rebounds—a number that might not break records, but speaks volumes about his durability.
What I find most compelling, though, is how his career evolved off the court. After retiring, Jimmy transitioned into coaching and broadcasting, and I’ve had the chance to hear him break down games on TV. He still talks about rebounding with the same passion, often emphasizing that “if you can jump properly, you control the game.” It’s a lesson that applies beyond basketball—in business, in creative work, even in daily life. Getting the basics right sets the foundation for everything else. I’ve tried to apply that in my own work as a writer; sometimes, you just need to focus on the fundamentals, like structuring a sentence well, rather than trying to be overly clever. Jimmy’s career, in a way, is a masterclass in that approach. He didn’t rely on flashy dunks or three-pointers; he mastered the art of the rebound, and in doing so, he carved out a legacy that’s both humble and impactful.
Looking back, I think Jimmy Santos represents a type of athlete we don’t celebrate enough—the ones who excel through grit rather than glamour. His PBA highlights include multiple All-Star appearances and a few championship runs, but for me, his true stardom lies in how he inspired everyday players to believe that with the right technique and mindset, they could achieve more than they imagined. That quote about rebounding isn’t just a throwaway line; it’s a window into his worldview. And as someone who’s followed sports for decades, I’d say that’s what makes a career truly memorable. Not the trophies or the stats, but the moments and mindsets that resonate long after the final buzzer.