Ateneo’s Forthsky Padrigao. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo will be without one of its key players in its campaign for a second straight UAAP title.
Forthsky Padrigao, who played an instrumental role in the Blue Eagles’ championship run in UAAP Season 85, will not be eligible for Season 86 due to academic reasons.
“Forthsky Padrigao was unable to meet Ateneo de Manila University’s academic requirements in SY 2022-2023, and therefore he is not eligible to play in the upcoming UAAP Season 86,” said the school in a statement on Saturday.
“He will use the time off the court to focus on his academics. We hope to see him back on the court once he fulfills his responsibilities as an Ateneo student.”
Padrigao had a breakout season last year that saw him make the Mythical Team.
The 21-year-old guard averaged 11.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and a league-best 2.4 steals per game in Season 85.
Without Padrigao, the Blue Eagles will have to rely more on their other guards in Gab Gomez, Sean Quitevis and incoming rookies Kyle Gamber, Jared Brown and Paul Garcia next season.