Forthsky Padrigao Embraces Challenges and Opportunities at UST
Photo source: UAAP Media Team
After a turbulent departure from Ateneo de Manila University following UAAP Season 85, Forthsky Padrigao faced a crossroads in his basketball career. The highly-skilled guard had options: among them, San Beda, and intriguingly, the University of the Philippines (UP). His decision ultimately led him to the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where he played a pivotal role in ending the Growling Tigers’ five-year Final Four drought in UAAP Season 87.
Reflecting on his journey in an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR, Padrigao admits that he once seriously considered UP due to his connections with Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde and some players, stemming from their shared time in Adamson’s high school program.
He was ready to commit to UP, but the Fighting Maroons reportedly decided not to offer Padrigao a spot. Concerns about team dynamics – particularly with the recruitment of standout Jared Bahay – and off-court considerations factored into the decision. Bahay eventually left UP to join Ateneo, but Padrigao’s path had already veered in a different direction.
Despite the roadblocks, Padrigao expresses gratitude for finding a home in España.
“I think hindi ko na siya masiyado inisip this season, but during the offseason, napapaisip pa rin ako, what if’s lang,” Padrigao shared. “But UST welcomed me with open arms, and I’m really thankful na ginabayan nila ako dito sa UST. Kaya susuklian ko lang ‘yung binigay nila na tiwala sa akin.”
His decision to join UST was vindicated with the Tigers’ resurgence in Season 87, though irony wasn’t lost on Padrigao when they faced UP in the Final Four – a team that defeated them thrice during the season.
“Sabi ko, UP na naman? And then ngayon, first time namin mag-Final Four, UP na naman,” Padrigao joked. “Pero, you know, I enjoy these matchups personally kasi kilala ko ‘tong mga’to. Masaya kalaban ‘tong mga ‘to, and talagang nachachallenge ka eh. For me, I just really really enjoy the game.”
Padrigao’s first season with UST showcased his ability to lead. He averaged 8.8 points and a league-leading 6.1 assists per game, helping revitalize the Tigers’ program. With this breakthrough, expectations for UST are now higher than it’s been for a while – a challenge the guard is ready to embrace.
“Next season? We’ll see pa kung paano ba magiging mga personnel ng team namin for next year,” Padrigao said. “But, with this core, I hope na mas maganda pa ‘yung maipakita pa namin next year. Kasi now, I think, they expect you to be in the Final Four which is going to be harder, ‘pag may expectations na sa’yo, sa team. Tiwala naman ako sa amin, and I hope that we overcome those.”
As he plans to return for his final year of eligibility in 2025, Padrigao is optimistic about the Tigers’ chances to build on their success. If key players like Nic Cabañero, Kyle Paranada, and Mo Tounkara stay and continue to develop, UST could potentially contend for a Finals berth.
“Final Four sana. And then, we’ll see from there. Kasi we’ll never know kung ano ‘yung magiging ikot ng season next year eh, like NU, with their import. Let’s see. Hopefully, hopefully mag-Finals kami,” Padrigao said.
For now, Padrigao is focused on giving back to the program that took a chance on him, aiming to lead UST to even greater heights. Whether or not the Tigers can achieve their lofty aspirations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: with Padrigao at the helm, UST is a team to watch.