Padrigao aims to be known as the Growling Tiger ‘who gives his all’

Photo source: UAAP Photos

Forthsky Padrigao is one of the top recruits on the UST Growling Tigers’ current roster who plays a big role each time his team steps on the court.

As the lead playmaker of this Final Four hopeful, he might be the one who carries the most responsibilities, whether that means scoring the basketball or dishing passes to teammates for playmaking opportunities.

“I think they really welcomed me with open arms [to] the community. Sila Father, coaches ko, teammates, and even our staff and security guards doon sa UST, they’re all very warm sa’kin. I’m really thankful na talagang sinusuportahan nila kami sa UST,” Padrigao said in an interview with ALL-STAR Magazine.

He also talked about how the team is still formulating the culture they’re trying to build that can potentially last for years to come, even when he’s no longer playing. Since it’s their first year playing together, Padrigao recognizes the up-and-down turn of events.

“It’s just our first year together, and you know, may ups and downs kami, but then we’re still trying to build kasi kung ano talaga magiging culture namin.”

However, Padrigao expressed that he wishes to create a culture of openness among his team. As a team leader, he also wants his boys to be ready to support one another constantly.

“Gusto ko ‘yung culture na open ‘yung lahat to voice their opinions about sa basketball, and then gusto ko ‘yung kung sino man katabi ko, he’s got my back.”

As a Thomasian and a UST Growling Tiger, Padrigao also shared what legacy he hopes to leave.

“Legacy lang na gusto ko iwan sa UST is, si Forth Padrigao ‘yung talagang hindi bibigay hanggang dulo. He’s going to give it his all para lang manalo ‘yung team [nila]. Until the last sound ng buzzer, nandoon ako para makipaglaban para sa UST.”

Padrigao is not new to the UAAP community despite being a new face in the UST Growling Tigers. There has been a lot of remarks online about his ‘mayabang’ persona when in uniform, but Padrigao said he’s merely just enjoying the game and expressing his love for the sport.

“I’m just expressing myself, and nag-eenjoy lang talaga ako. Wala naman talaga akong intention na magyabang or whatsoever,” he shared.