It is an advantage for the former Green Archer standout to have someone in the craft who always shares advice to him like Capacio, who had a solid 13-year career in the pro teams with Purefoods, Mobiline, and Red Bull.

“Sinasabihan ako ni coach Glenn dati sa La Salle na kapag nasa PBA ka na, mag-ready ka lang kasi makakalaban mo, malalaki na,” Santillan told The Prospects Pod’s interview.

Capacio, who was one of Santillan’s coaches during his stay in La Salle, won five PBA championships and carved a niche as one of the league’s best mid-sized defenders.

But more than squad victories, what made Capacio a keeper back in his playing days is his pesky defense which led to eight All-Defensive Team citations.

“Pinapaalalahanan ako lagi ni coach Glenn dati na patigasin ko pa yung katawan ko kasi pag may nakabangga ako sa PBA, baka daw matumba ako. Yun yung tumatak sa akin,” Santillan recalled.

The 24-year-old Santillan, however, seems like he will be making a big name in the pros if his previous experiences provide any indication.

6-foot-5 Santillan has spent the last few years playing 3×3 basketball and is coming off a stint in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Masters in Doha, Qatar. But with his contract with Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 expiring this December, the pride of Lapu-Lapu City thought it best to try his luck in the 5×5 pro league.

If Santillan is being viewed as a likely first-rounder in the March 14 draft, he attributes it to his hard work and discipline.

“Sa akin naman, magpapa-standout lang sa akin yung sipag lang talaga. Yun yung kailangan eh,” he said. “Yung mga skills ko, tingin ko kailangan ko pang i-improve para pagdating doon ready na ready na. Pero alam ko naman na pagdating sa PBA, kailangan maging ready lang talaga.”