Is Pampanga bracing for the entry of former Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Arwind Santos?

Pampanga's camp has been mum on news about Santos joining his hometown team that is making a serious run for this year's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League crown.

But its bitter rival from the North, defending national champion Nueva Ecija, anticipates the inclusion of one of the league's 40 Greatest Players.

"We expect him to be there," said Nueva Ecija coach Jerson Cabiltes.

"He's in the lineup, after all."

Although he hasn't seen action for Pampanga, it's probable that Santos will play for the Giant Lanterns, owing to his strong attachment to Governor Delta Pineda.

Meanwhile, former PBA player Encho Serrano, who dominated in his rookie season with Phoenix Super LPG, decided to bring his wares to Pampanga and opted not to renew his contract with the Fuel Masters.

Serrano is now an impact player for the Giant Lanterns and the expected inclusion of Santos will be the final launch in Pampanga's title aspirations.

DAILY TRIBUNE contacted Santos as well as his agent, Danny Espiritu, but they have yet to respond as of press time.