By MARK REY MONTEJO
Since leaving Ateneo two years ago, Forthsky Padrigao has become a center of attraction in the UAAP especially for University of Santo Tomas as its lead guard and on-court leader.
And he’s doing his job with fortitude and style.
In front of thousands of fans inside the Ateneo Gym, the Growling Tigers, led by Padrigao, stayed composed under intense pressure to prevail in a classic matchup via a 98-89 triple overtime win over the Blue Eagles last Saturday evening, Oct. 11.
What a triumphant comeback it was for Padrigao because it was at the Blue Eagles gym where he started to make a dream – a big one.
The 23-year-old Padrigao played with a heart of gruzzled and delivered the pivotal baskets in the regulation, particularly in the fourth quarter where he drained a clutch trey that forced the game to an extended period.
And doing such heroics against his former school, didn’t have any other meaning, it is strictly doing business, not personal.
“I just needed to do my job, my role sa team in this ball game, I think wala naman akong special na inisip or ginawa, nothing personal for me,” said Padrigao
“I just wanted to treat this as another game, kasi we want to win this game kasi it’s crucial for us, happy ako na nanalo kami, pero talagang pagod lang talaga kami,” he added.
After playing for 31 minutes, the 6-foot shifty guard collected 20 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one block as he marked his return to a place that he once steered to a UAAP championship in Season 85.
His sort of a homecoming was almost spoiled by his fellow playmaker Jared Bahay, who kept the Eagles stick within striking distance in the waning minutes.
“Just happy the team shown heart kanina… talagang paguran ‘yong laro, and we shown our heart, grit, and nag-pay off no’ng dulo,” Padrigao continued.
“But, even we beat Ateneo, grabe ‘yong respect namin sa kanila, kasi they have battling with us, [lalo na do’n sa tatlong overtime],” he added.
Despite Padrigao being sidelined during the final stretch, Nic Cabañero, Collins Akowe, Gelo Crisostomo and Kyle Paranada took over. The quartet with the help of Mark Llemit built an ample lead and sealed the match.
That gave the Tigers a 4-1 card to secure a lead, while the Eagles dropped to 4-2 at third.
But for Padrigao, the job is far from over, but the storyline is getting exciting.
