UAAP: Forthsky Padrigao hopes to help UST build winning culture

UST guard Forthsky Padrigao in his debut game in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Forthsky Padrigao was thrilled to open a new chapter with University of Santo Tomas on a winning note as he aims to help instill a winning culture in the Growling Tigers’ lair.

Padrigao, a transferee from Ateneo, had five points, six rebounds, and seven assists in his keenly-awaited UST debut as he helped the Growling Tigers rout the University of the East, 70-55, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Padrigao, who was a vital piece in Ateneo’s championship run in Season 85, is determined to help coach Pido Jarencio in his mission to bring back UST’s contender status in the UAAP.

READ: UAAP: Struggling last season, UST eases past UE to open new campaign

Forthsky Padrigao on his debut as a UST Growling Tiger. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/0gHukkoW7L

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“When I joined Ateneo, there’s a culture na established. So here in UST, panibagong challenge kasi we’re trying to build a culture here and sana mas maging maayos yung kung anong kultura na ibi-build namin sana maging okay sa mga next few games namin,” Padrigao told reporters.

“We’re really building on it kasi mahirap gumawa ng culture. It’s not gonna happen overnight lalo na kami, halos lahat kami bagong teammates sa isa’t isa. Dahan-dahan lang kami, practices, preparation, tapos sa games.”

Padrigao’s next game for UST is against his former school Ateneo on Wednesday at the Big Dome. But he’s taking it as another game as he keeps his focus on the Tigers. 

Nic Cabanero, left, and Forthsky Padrigao.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I just wanna win and just help the team. Wala naman po [extra motivation],” he said. “Kung paano kami nag-prepare kanina against UE , that’s how we’re gonna prepare sa mga next games pa namin no matter kung sino kalaban namin, whoever, basta we’re just gonna be prepared.”

The 22-year-old guard said his transition has been seamless thanks to having developed a strong bond with his teammates, including fellow leaders Nic Cabañero and Migs Pangilinan, under Jarencio and his veteran-laden coaching staff’s guidance. 

READ: UAAP: New UST team has Cabanero hopeful of Final Four

“Very welcoming ang teammates ko,” said Padrigao. “Kami nila Nic, nila Migs, may kani-kanya kaming rules e. Basta kami, we just want our teammates na talagang prepared once naglaro kami.”

“Masayang coach si Coach Pido kasi tulad nga ng sinabi niya kanina, yung sa mga tactical aspects, binibigay niya kila Coach Juno [Sauler], kila Coach Peter [Martin] pero siya yung nagbo-boost ng morale sa amin, kaya malaking bagay pa rin si Coach Pido para sa amin,” he added.

The 6-foot playmaker said his goal with UST is not only for his own growth but to help last year’s cellar dweller win games.

“Not really to showcase my talent but I just really want to help the team win kasi yun nga, past two seasons medyo pangit yung standings namin, we’re just planning to change that,” Padrigao said. “Gusto ko lang pong manalo, wala po akong Mythical-Mythical Five (na goal.) Bonus na lang po kung dumating man po pero gusto ko lang pong manalo.”