Mr. Clutch in town

Francis Arnaiz was known as Mr. Clutch during his celebrated PBA career. He was the man with the nerves of steel, making the big play, taking the clutch shot at crunch-time. Today, it’s not a basketball that’s in his hands. It’s a painter’s brush, not the kind that’s used for homes or buildings but the kind that depicts pictures and images on canvas. Arnaiz was blessed with artistry from when he played the game and now, that same artistry is brought to a different plane.

Arnaiz, 72, was the PBA’s version of Jerry West. He was unflappable on the court and never stalled to dish off to an open teammate. Arnaiz played on 10 PBA champion teams and was named among the PBA’s 25 greatest players in 2000. Highlights of his career as a national player were marked by appearances on the 1973 team that won the FIBA Asia (then known as the Asian Basketball Confederation) title in Manila and the 1974 squad that represented the country at the FIBA World Cup in Puerto Rico. The fleet-footed guard retired from the hardcourt in 1986 at 35 and migrated to the US where he has lived for nearly 40 years.

In 2018, Arnaiz was in Manila for his first exhibit at the Galeria Lienzo, BGC for the benefit of the Bata Foundation. He titled the exhibit “Second Wind” and on the invitation, wrote: “Yet when I consider my life and You whom I met on the road, My spirit soars above the thorn, I rumble on, I rumble on.” Arnaiz embraced the Lord as a devout Christian and was often invited to deliver inspirational talks to communities in Sacramento where he resides. His beliefs were vividly expressed in his art works.

In his first exhibit, 25 paintings were sold. He’s planning on a second exhibit, tentatively on Nov. 26 at his former Toyota coach Dante Silverio’s gallery. “I started in 2017 with colored pencils and crayons,” he said. “I started painting coloring books, would you believe. It’s a long story. I have about 120 pieces in my portfolio from way back in 2018. I’m still not very comfortable with large ones. My largest paintings are 18” by 24.” Most are 11” by 14” and 9” by 12.” I’m a newbie, really. Truth is I’m still learning. My medium is pastel and ink.”

Silverio, 85, won five PBA championships as a coach and was team manager of the Philippine team at the 1973 FIBA Asia competition. After retiring from motor sports and coaching basketball, he found a new love – painting. “Dante is truly good,” said Arnaiz. “I consider him a master.” It’s only appropriate that Arnaiz’ latest works will be on display in Silverio’s art house. “I’m not sure how many will be for sale at the exhibit,” said Arnaiz. “Probably, no more than 30 to 40. I have to ask Dante what he thinks. I give half of the proceeds to charity. The average price for each painting would be P15,000 to P20,000, framed, of course.” Arnaiz arrived in Manila yesterday and will stay for about four months. It’s perfect timing that he’ll be in town during the FIBA World Cup.