After a bittersweet departure from Ateneo de Manila University, point guard Forthsky Padrigao seems to have finally settled in at his new home, University of Santo Tomas.
In his first encounter with the Blue Eagles since joining the Growling Tigers, Padrigao compensated for his meager three-point output with six rebounds and six assists as the Growling Tigers secured their second win in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup, triumphing 63-52.
However, according to the streaky 5-foot-11 guard from Zamboanga City, it was just another game for UST.
“Hindi na ako nagfo-focus sa kung sino ‘yung kalaban namin.
“May gusto kaming i-build dito sa UST and gusto namin na ‘yung winning culture, na onti-onti, bumalik na sa UST,” said Padrigao.
Additionally, the 22-year-old former Eaglet shared that he was not satisfied with the team’s performance, especially early on when Ateneo took a 20-18 lead to end the first period.
“Nakuha naman namin ‘yung panalo ngayon, pero marami pa kaming mga lapses. Noong first quarter, nine turnovers na kami, against mga mas malalakas na teams, siguro natambakan kami, pero kaya nandito kami sa preseason para matuto kami,” said the UAAP Season 85 Mythical Team member.
Playing 25 minutes in Monday’s contest for UST, Padrigao added that his limited time in previous games was only due to a minor setback and hopes to continue his road to getting his body fully prepared for the rest of the preseason.
“I feel better naman ngayon. Pero tuloy pa rin ‘yung mga kailangan kong gawin off the court, ‘di naman siya major injury,” shared Padrigao.
Moreover, head coach Pido Jarencio added that this learning process will be pivotal in finalizing their lineup for the upcoming UAAP season.
He shared that after two more preseason tournaments and a training camp in South Korea, their announcement will follow shortly after.
