Facing Ateneo was just a regular game for Forthsky Padrigao as he and the UST Growling Tigers continued their strong start early into UAAP Season 87.
Wednesday, September 9 marked Forthsky Padrigao’s first game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles following his departure from Katipunan after UAAP Season 85.
Padrigao has since moved on with the UST Growling Tigers, positioning himself as a key piece as they return to their winning ways. And on Wednesday, he once again led his Tigers to victory against the Blue Eagles.
Led by Padrigao, the Growling Tigers improved to 2-0 early into Season 87, and snapped their 17-game losing skid against Ateneo dating back to 2015.
Padrigao was limited to six points, but his nine assists were crucial in setting up UST’s offense led by Angelo Crisostomo and Mo Tounkara with 16 points apiece, and Mark Llemit with 10 off the bench.
But it’s just another day in the office for the 22-year-old. After all, he’s gotten a new lease of life in España, and what matters is paying it forward by helping them contend again.
“Hindi naman na sa naninibago po ako [against Ateneo] kasi nag-move forward na po ako once na pag-lipat ko po. Kumbaga ‘yung utak ko naka-set na focus akong anumang school ko po ngayon, which is UST. So doon na po ako naka-focus ngayon, sa UST,” he told The GAME after UST’s 74-64 win over Ateneo.
Wednesday did mark Padrigao’s first match against Tab Baldwin’s tactical brilliance in Ateneo. While depleted, the Eagles proved to be a thorn in UST’s side until the Tigers broke away with a 16-0 run midway through the fourth quarter.
In leading UST, Padrigao instead banked on faithful film reviews and scouting reports as he orchestrated the Tigers on both ends of the floor. By his estimates, it’s a new-look system, which renders any form of familiarity null.
“Challenging…Challenging kasi nagpapalit siya [Coach Tab] ng defenses at any time. So I think that’s really the word, no? ‘Yung challenging, kasi hindi mo rin alam minsan kung ano ba itong tinatakbo nila Coach Tab, baka may ibang coverage na ginagawa sa akin,” said Padrigao.
“So kailangan ko maging…kumbaga, mentally focused ako 40 minutes, or kung ilang minuto man ako na sa court.”
Forthsky Padrigao also sang the Ateneo hymn after the game, his first time in two years. While nostalgic, he knows that his time in Ateneo has ended, and he’s turned over a new leaf in UST.
“Masaya pa rin ako kasi the last time I sang it [Ateneo hymn], we won a championship [in Season 85]. It brings back those memories, but then I have to move forward already with my new team, with my UST. They welcomed me with open arms. And I’m just gonna focus on doing my thing, ‘yun lang,” he told reporters.
Indeed, Forthsky Padrigao has found a new home in España, with a crowd and team that appreciates him as much as he does them. Early on, he hasn’t shied away from showing love to the España faithful that’s been hungry for a winning team.
If you’ve watched UST’s first two games, then you might have noticed Padrigao being animated with his celebrations, which is his way of getting his newfound family involved.
“Gusto ko lang din po na i-hype lang din konti yung crowd po ng UST kasi ngayon lang po ulit kami nananalo ng ganito eh. Naikita ko po na mas dumadami po yung suporta na binibigay po sa amin. So it’s a way of thanking them na rin po na pag-suporta po sa amin,” said Padrigao.
But at the same time, he knows that they’re still far from peaking. Ateneo is one acid test, but it’s a long, long season still for the Tigers.
“Two games pa lang and ‘yung culture kasi hindi mo yan makukuha sa mga wins lang. Mate-test kami all throughout the season. Feel ko doon kami mas mabubuo kung ano man po yung culture na…what’s our identity na magiging,” he said.
Banner image courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.