University of Santo Tomas‘ Forthsky Padrigao. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Point guard Forthsky Padrigao was among those who steered the University of Santo Tomas (UST) back to the Final 4 of UAAP men’s basketball.

After serving his residency in España last year, the 5-foot-10 playmaker made his return in Season 87, and Padrigao — through his 8.7 points, 5.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals — helped the Growling Tigers return to their spot in the top half of the league after only collecting six wins in the past three years.

Unfortunately for the Thomasians, the University of the Philippines (UP) handed them a rude awakening in their semifinals clash last Saturday by dealing them a 78-69 loss, but Padrigao was still proud of how they competed against the modern-day UAAP powerhouse that is the Fighting Maroons.

READ: Alarcon waxes hot in the second half as UP makes Finals return at UST’s expense

“Like what Coach Pido [Jarencio] said, charge to experience na muna,” said the former Ateneo de Manila University point guard, who had seven points and three assists before he prematurely left the bout after he committed two unsportsmanlike fouls.

UST, despite facing multiple 11-point deficits against State U, was able to keep themselves afloat until the final quarter. But Harold Alarcon and his 16 points (7/9 2pts) just proved to be too hot for them, especially in the payoff period.

“The team still played well. There were some mistakes, pero we gave them a good fight — we gave UP a run for their money,” commented Padrigao on their efforts against the Fighting Maroons.

But now that Forthsky and UST have concluded a year wherein they finished at No.3, what’s next for him and the Tigers?
University of Santo Tomas‘ Forthsky Padrigao. Photo from UAAP Media.“Babalik ako. After that exit? For sure na babalik ako,” assured Padrigao, who will be entering his last playing year in Season 88 alongside Nic Cabañero. “I think my teammates and the Thomasian community don’t deserve that performance from me. Kailangan ko bumawi next season.”

Despite having decent numbers in Season 87, Padrigao also committed 2.7 turnovers and only shot 30.5% from the field, and he knows the exact answers to solving these problems.

“Next year, personally, ako, I need to be more consistent kasi throughout this season, up and down ako, inconsistent ako,” rued the 22-year-old.

And aside from holding himself accountable, Padrigao is also banking on UST’s chemistry as they will be parading a relatively intact roster next year.

“Mas mabubuo pa yung team namin,” he said of their squad who will only be bidding goodbye to three players — Chase Lane, Migs Pangilinan, and Christian Manaytay.

“Sa continuity, it’s important sa team na ‘to. Look at UP, since high school pa lang magkakakampi na yan eh and up to now, they are having their success. So hopefully, next year, sa amin naman yung success,” he added.

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