Padrigao impresses in Batang Gilas rout of Singapore

Rence Padrigao. PBA IMAGES

Though much of the attention is focused on Kai Sotto’s debut with the national youth team, it was Rence Padrigao who turned heads in Batang Gilas Pilipinas’ 108-42 decimation of Singapore on Sunday at the start the 2017 Seaba Under-16 Championship.

The Ateneo Blue Eaglet impressed with 14 points, three boards, six assists, and four steals.

“It became very easy for me to coach because he directed our offense,” Batang Gilas coach Mike Olivet said of the 14-year-old Padrigao in Filipino.

Padrigao noted that having the 6-foot-11 Sotto down low made things easier for him and his fellow playmakers in the Singaporean rout.

“I’m confident playing because we have Kai who has the height. When we pass the ball to him, we know that he can finish those and he can dominate when it comes to the rebounds,” he said. “For me, I just showcased what I’m capable of because I know my game. I’m a court general.”

With Batang Gilas starting on the right foot, Padrigao hopes that this performance won’t be a one-off as he seeks to sustain his stupendous play through the course of the tourney.

“I hope this continue until the end of Seaba and when we make it to Fiba Asia,” he said.