Former La Salle Green Archer Santi Santillan has joined Alvin Pasaol in his dreams of possibly playing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Santillan will set aside plans to join the Philippine Basketball Association draft in favor of a bigger dream.
The 6-foot-five Santillan has declared his intention to remain with Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 in the second season of the league, Tuesday evening.
The 23-year old slotman is seen as among the top five picks in the coming 2019 PBA Draft.
But he has withdrawn his name from the list of rookies.
“Yung mga taong nasa paligid ko, yung family ko sinabihan ko na may offer galing sa Chooks. Pumayag naman sila pati mama ko na hindi muna ko magpra-draft,” said Santillan in a statement.
Earlier, Pasaol decided to forego his final year with the University of the East Warriors and the PBA draft to be able to help the Philippines earn points for the Tokyo Olympics by competing in numerous international 3×3 events.
Santillan is coming off a two-year stint with La Salle and has also completed his D-League residency early this year after playing for Marinerong Pilipino.
During that time, he also played for the Wilkins-Balanga Pure in the country’s first league dedicated to 3×3 basketball.
While in the Chooks 3×3 league, Santillan was able to play in numerous FIBA 3×3 World Tours and Challengers.