FORTHSKY Padrigao couldn't have asked for a better career reboot than the one he's experiencing now at the University of Santo Tomas.
Seeking a fresh start after a controversy-filled tenure at Ateneo, the former Gilas Pilipinas Youth member has found a new home with a rebuilding Growling Tigers squad determined to return to their winning ways.
“Hindi ko nararamdaman yung pressure kasi as a team, we have nothing to lose because we’ve proven nothing yet,” the 6-foot skipper said.
“Gusto ko gamitin yung word na underdog, na pumapalag lang kami. Kung mangyari man yung mangyari, Final Four man o Finals, we’ll cross the bridge when we get there na lang.”
Without a doubt, Padrigao is a game-changer, a point guard extraordinaire who earned his place in the UAAP Mythical Team during his sophomore year with the Blue Eagles two years ago.
In his debut appearance with UST during the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup, he seized every moment, tallying nine points, despite shooting 3-of-14 from the field. He also contributed six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in the team's narrow 68-61 loss to defending UAAP champion La Salle last Friday.
While the outcome may not have been what Padrigao had hoped for in his comeback game, he is simply grateful to be back on the court where he belongs.
“Grateful lang ako sa coaches ko sa UST kasi tinanggap nila ako at binigyan nila ako ng bagong pagkakataon na makapaglaro ng basketball,” said the 22-year-old playmaker. “Lagi naman ako nanonood ng games kaya miss na miss ko talaga makapaglaro dito.”
With the black and gold now adorning him, Padrigao is fueled by the opportunity for a fresh start, determined to maximize this new chapter in his career. He harbors hope that his return not only signifies personal growth but also marks the beginning of a resurgence for Espana's basketball glory.
“We’re in the early stages pa lang. Yung system namin, konti pa lang din yung naiimplement namin kasi ngayon pa lang talaga kami sumali sa liga as a complete team. Yung chemistry, maraming bago so nasa 30 to 40-percent pa lang. Pero learning stages ito para sa amin and we’re sticking to the positives lang na pumapalag na kami lalo na sa team like La Salle,” he said.
“Excited ako sa kung ano pang parating, sa process na pagdadaanan naming magkakasama at sa kung ano pa ang meron ang coaches para sa amin.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
