Rence Padrigao was the third-string point guard for the Adamson Baby Falcons back in Season 79. Playing behind seniors Jojo Antiporda and Gerry Abadiano, he only played 19.7 minutes per game to post norms of 5.1 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals.
But in three games with Batang Gilas, he proved that he can steer the wheel when called upon.
During the Philippine youth team’s three dominant wins, he has posted norms of 10.33 points, 6.67 assists, and 5.67 steals including an almost-triple double against Thailand (13 points, eight assists, eight steals).
Given a bigger responsibility with the youth team, the 182 centimeter-tall point guard is just showing what he can do when needed.
“Sino-showcase ko lang kung anong meron sa akin. Ine-express ko lang yung nasa loob ko,” the native of Zamboanga said.
“Point guard [kasi] talaga ako. Court general.”
With his impending transfer to Ateneo High School, he is starting to get a feel of what his future Blue Eaglets teammate Kai Sotto can bring. And playing with the 6-foot-11 center only brings more confidence to him.
“Confident ako kay Kai kasi easy two points para sa amin yun,” Padrigao said.
And with him and the team just one win away from bringing home the country’s fourth SEABA U-16 crown, he hopes that he could showcase what he has learned in this tourney against Malaysia.
“Shooting, depensa, yun yung kelangan ko pang i-improve,” he furthered.
