New UST point guard Forthsky Padrigao says he’ll prepare for the Ateneo Blue Eagles just as how he does for any other school.
UST newcomer Forthsky Padrigao said that facing his former team Ateneo won’t make the game any different as the Growling Tigers prepare for the Blue Eagles in their second game of UAAP Season 87 slated September 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Padrigao, who won a championship with Ateneo in his second year with the team, surprisingly transferred to the Growling Tigers after their title run in UAAP Season 85.
Two years ago, Forthsky was also runner-up to then-MVP Malick Diouf of UP in the statistical points race.
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Now that he’s served his residency year, Padrigao is ready to make things happen for UST – regardless of who they’re facing on the other side of the court.
“[It’s going to be the] same lang kung paano namin inapproach yung UE [game]. We're gonna prepare, watch film, follow [the] scouting ng coaches namin,” said Padrigao.
The point guard flaunted an all-around game in their opening win over the Red Warriors on Sunday, finishing with five points, six rebounds, and seven assists. But more than the individual stats, he’s simply trying to help the team win.
Against his former team, Padrigao will enter the game with the same mindset.
“Wala naman [gigil]. I just wanna win and just help the team,” he said.
As for how he’s adjusted to the UST program, the 22-year-old said that it was a long time coming before the Season 87 opener, so it really isn’t a problem anymore.
“Yung system naman kasi ilang months na rin namin na-prepare. Kumbaga makikita niyo na lang, ito na yung results ng pinaghandaan namin. Throughout our practices in the offseason, maganda yung tinatakbo namin. Yun lang, sana magtuluy-tuloy,” said Padrigao.
Now that he enters veteran status in the collegiate league, he also set modest goals for himself – at least on the personal level.
After falling short of the MVP some years ago, Padrigao is now focused on more team-oriented goals.
“Wala po. 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,” he said.
At the moment, things are looking good for Padrigao and the Growling Tigers as they surprised the league with a blowout win over the Red Warriors in their first game of the season.
[Related: UAAP: UST Growling Tigers maul UE Red Warriors in emphatic start to Season 87 campaign]
But as tougher opponents come, including last year’s Final Four team in Ateneo, Padrigao’s chemistry with his Growling Tigers will surely be tested.
Still, Padrigao is taking it one game at a time as they aim to help UST rise from the ashes.
“[I’m] not really [here with the team] 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,” he said.
That mission continues when UST collides with Ateneo in the main game on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.