Forthsky Padrigao closes the book on his collegiate career in the UAAP.
Forthsky Padrigao’s whirlwind career in the UAAP has finally come to a close.
While it wasn’t the golden ending that he wished for, Padrigao is nonetheless grateful for how his collegiate career panned out, knowing that the highs and lows that he experienced shaped him into the player and person that he is today.
“I’m really grateful na na-experience ko ito, na I’ve been to Ateneo and UST. Just really grateful for the experiences — ‘yung wins, ‘yung losses, ‘yung learnings — and just really absorbing everything. Just really trying to be present,” reflected Padrigao after his UST Growling Tigers 81-82 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Final Four.
The lanky floor general started his UAAP seniors’ career with Ateneo, learning from current Korean Basketball League (KBL) star SJ Belangel, before leading the Blue Eagles to redemption as a Mythical Five member in UAAP Season 85.
Although controversy would lead to Padrigao’s exit from Katipunan, it was at this point where he crossed paths with the UST Growling Tigers — a school that offered him a second chance when he needed it the most.
More than the lessons he’s learned from the UAAP, it’s this second chance that Padrigao is grateful for, as the Tigers gave him another opportunity to continue his collegiate basketball career.
“From the decision that I made pa lang na mag-commit pa lang…from Coach Pido [Jarencio] na nag-dinner kami, they really welcomed me na with open arms. Para kaming friends, ganon ‘yung trato nila sa akin noon eh,” reflected Padrigao, who debuted for UST back in Season 87.
“And ‘yung pag-welcome nila sa akin, nag-extend through kila [IPEA Director] Father Rodel [Cansancio, O.P.], through our IPEA officers, sa admin namin doon, to our professors, the community and our classmates. And naging thankful lang rin talaga ako kasi binigyan nila ako ng second chance sa UAAP.”
From being part of a title-winning team in Ateneo, UST allowed Padrigao to flex his leadership chops, using his championship experience to aid the Tigers in rediscovering their own winning identity.
While it was a huge responsibility, Padrigao says that his leadership role was made easier by his teammates, especially with the brotherhood that they formed over the past two seasons.
“‘Yung leadership ko naman kasi, sila rin ‘yung nagpapadali, ‘yung teammates ko. Kasi you know? I’m just one of the guys, I’m just one of them. Syempre may respeto sila kasi mas matanda ako, pero on a daily basis, para lang kami magtotropa,” Padrigao, one of UST’s co-captains alongside Nic Cabañero, shared.
“Pero alam namin kung kailan magseseryoso, when it’s business time, and that’s what I really like about our team.”
As he begins to chase his professional basketball dreams, Forthsky Padrigao leaves España knowing that he left it all on the court, even if it may not have ended in a second UAAP seniors’ championship.
For Padrigao, what matters is he was able to share the court with his UST brothers for the final time as a Growling Tiger.
“I think I gave it all naman [against UP] and wala naman ako pinagsisishan, kasi sabi ko rin sa sarili ko last year ang pangit ng exit ko, ejected ako. Sabi ko, another chance sana para makabawi,” recalled Padrigao, referring to his unsportsmanlike foul on Quentin Millora-Brown in the Season 87 Final Four.
“But then you know? Hindi napunta sa atin, pero I’m just really thankful na na-experience ko pa rin ito, and I really gave it all.”
Along with homegrown star Nic Cabañero, Leland Estacio, and Kyle Paranada, Forthsky Padrigao will be one of four graduating stars this Season 88 for UST. Still, the proud Zamboanga native knows that the Tigers can stay competitive for Season 89 and beyond.
“We’re not happy about the results, but personally I’m really happy about our team kasi ‘yung improvement ng mga bata from last season to this season, it’s a big leap for them and for UST. Hopefully it’s something to be excited about for the upcoming seasons for the team.”
Images taken by Kieran Punay/KLIQ Inc.