PLAYING for his hometown team will be a full circle moment for Forthsky Padrigao.

It was at Zamboanga City where the Valientes’ newest playmaker first touched a basketball and embarked on what would be a journey of a lifetime in the UAAP with Ateneo and later University of Sto. Tomas.

Not to mention the fact that his first-ever basketball mentor from as early as Grade 2 also happens to be Valientes head coach Bobedick delos Santos.

“Huling na-represent ko ‘yung Zamboanga, I was Grade 6 pa and then same head coach, si coach Bobedick (delos Santos). Siya rin ‘yung naging coach ko sa Ateneo from Grade 2 to Grade 6,” Padrigao shared.

“I’m just really excited na makasama ulit ‘yung mga fellow Zamboangueños ko kasi hindi palaging may ganitong opportunity na binibigay sa ’tin.

“I’ll just cherish this one and talagang ieenjoy ko lang ‘to.”

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

To represent the country in the international level is a badge of honor for any athlete, let alone having the place where the dream began emblazoned on Padrigao’s chest.

So expect one of college basketball’s most skilled young guns to wear his heart on his sleeve come the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.

“‘Yung Dubai Invitational, isa ‘yan sa mga matataas din na liga internationally. Maswerte kami dahil binigyan kami ng opportunity ng Valientes,” said Padrigao.

“Masaya lang din ako talaga kasi kasama ko ‘yung mga pros dito. After this year, pupunta na rin naman kami ng pro ni Nic (Cabañero) so malaking bagay na na-experience namin ‘yung ganitong klaseng experience and, especially, internationally.”

With his fellow UST ace Cabañero onboard, Padrigao hopes they’ll turn this into a stepping stone to the next chapter of their basketball careers in the pros.

“Special siya kasi si Nic kasama ko. Magiging sponge lang kami ni Nic talaga dito kasi lahat ng makakalaban namin, mas experienced sa amin kung pag-uusapan natin about basketball career,” Padrigao said.

“‘Yun lang talaga, doing everything that we can and then maybe apply it sa paparating na liga.”

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