I still remember watching Jack Santiago’s collegiate debut back in 2011—a game that, on paper, didn’t exactly scream “future star.” It was July 14, and the UST Growling Tigers were up against National University in what turned out to be a nail-biter. The final score? 73-72 in overtime. And Jack? He logged 20 minutes on the court but finished with just five points and three rebounds. If you’d told me then that this relatively quiet debut was the start of something special, I might have raised an eyebrow. But looking back, that game was a perfect snapshot of his early career: not flashy, but full of potential waiting to unfold.
What strikes me most about Jack’s journey is how he embodies the idea that growth isn’t always linear. Some players burst onto the scene with eye-popping stats from day one, but Jack’s story has been different—more gradual, more earned. In that Season 74 opener, his numbers didn’t jump off the page, but if you watched closely, you saw glimpses of the player he’d become: the defensive hustle, the unselfish ball movement, the calm under pressure. I’ve followed Philippine basketball for years, and it’s rare to see a rookie with that kind of composure, even when the stat sheet isn’t in their favor. It’s one reason I’ve always believed he was destined for bigger things.
Fast forward to his PBA career, and those early traits have blossomed into something remarkable. Jack’s not just a role player anymore; he’s become a cornerstone for his team, averaging around 18.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in the last conference alone. But what really sets him apart, in my opinion, is his basketball IQ. He reads the game like a veteran, making smart decisions in clutch moments—something that stats alone can’t capture. I remember a game last season where he dished out 9 assists without a single turnover, a feat that even some seasoned guards struggle to achieve. It’s that kind of performance that makes you sit up and take notice.
Another thing I admire about Jack is his work ethic. I’ve spoken with a few people close to the team, and they all say the same thing: he’s often the first one in the gym and the last to leave. That dedication has translated into tangible improvements, like his three-point shooting, which has jumped from around 28% in his rookie year to nearly 39% this season. For a forward, that’s a game-changer. It opens up the floor, creates spacing, and puts defenders in impossible positions. Honestly, I think that’s a big part of why he’s emerged as a rising star—he’s constantly adding layers to his game.
But let’s not overlook the intangibles. Jack brings a certain energy to the court that’s infectious. Whether it’s diving for a loose ball or hyping up his teammates after a big play, he plays with a passion that resonates with fans. I’ve seen it firsthand during live games—the crowd feeds off his intensity. In an era where basketball can sometimes feel overly commercialized, that genuine love for the game is refreshing. It’s one of the reasons I think he’s poised for even greater success, both in the PBA and potentially on the international stage.
Of course, no player is perfect, and Jack has areas to refine. His turnover rate, for instance, sits at about 2.8 per game, which is a bit higher than you’d like for someone in his role. But what encourages me is that he seems aware of it. In post-game interviews, he often mentions focusing on ball security and making smarter passes. That self-awareness, coupled with his drive to improve, tells me he’ll address those weaknesses sooner rather than later. I’ve seen players with raw talent flame out because they lacked that mindset, but Jack isn’t one of them.
When I step back and look at his career holistically, it’s clear that Jack Santiago is more than just a collection of stats. He’s a testament to the power of persistence and smart development. From that modest debut in 2011 to becoming a PBA standout, his journey reminds us that stars aren’t always born overnight—sometimes, they’re built through years of hard work and incremental progress. As a fan and analyst, I’m excited to see where he goes from here. If he continues on this trajectory, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the conversation for MVP honors within the next couple of seasons. For now, though, he’s exactly the kind of rising star the PBA needs—someone who embodies both skill and heart.
