Padrigao hopes to build on past season’s gains

Forthsky Padrigao
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Being a role that has long proven to be integral to the program’s success, Forthsky Padrigao hardly needed time to adjust and create and contribute to Ateneo.

In his second year with the Blue Eagles, the lanky playmaker moved the needle, posting a league-best 11.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.4 steals for 71,571 statistical points, second only to the League’s Most Valuable Player Player. Malick Diouf from the University of the Philippines.

Padrigao went on to earn a spot on Team Mythical and fill the shoes left by SJ Belangel, who turned pro in South Korea. And with his rate of play, he could also be a steady presence for Tab Baldwin’s crew that will try to retain Ateneo’s UAAP crown amid the specter of more players.

For his part, Padrigao sounds like he knows how to do that.

“I want to follow coach Tab [Baldwin’s] guidance,” he told the Inquirer in a message. “I believe he needs someone who can defend and can read the floor well.

“I also want to be a more consistent shooter from the outside and the perimeter. Finally, to work on my physique, add some extra pounds and muscle,” he said.

Much of Padrigao’s business approach to the game was actually forged during his formative years at Ateneo de Zamboanga under the tutelage of Bobidick delos Santos. At that time, he met champion UP coach Goldwin Monteverde, who brought the youngster to the high school program in Adamson.

Padrigao, the only son of an average Zamboangueña couple, spent three years with the Baby Falcons before reuniting with Ateneo, where more doors were opened for him. Among them is in Batang Gilas which eventually made his name nationally known.

“That experience helped me grow as a player. It made me realize how much I still have to learn and improve as a basketball player. I saw how people [at the international level] put in work, which pushed me [to work] more difficult,” he said.

Padrigao credits his success thus far to senior Jacob Lao and former Ateneo floor general Matt Nieto. The improvement of the former has become a proof that even LA Tenorio, one of the prolific guards who steered the school to UAAP glory, took notice.

“I can see a lot of potential in the kid,” he told the Inquirer. “He’s got confidence, and sometimes he’s been blamed for being a ball hog.”

And Padrigao aims to build on the big year: “I just want to play great basketball for Ateneo every time I step on the hardwood,” He said.

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