Padrigao using SEABA stint as springboard to pro dream

MANILA, Philippines — While everyone was raving about how imposing Kai Sotto's presence was in the U-16 SEABA games, another young cager was making a name for himself.

For four games, Rence Padrigao had a share of Sotto’s spotlight. He may have been inconsistent on scoring, but the latter’s prints were all over the game—through assists, via steals and heck, even rebounds.

“Ginawa ko lang po ‘yung right things,” Padrigao said of his tournament perfromance. “‘Yung mga gdating ginagawa ko sa school ko in-apply ko lang dito sa SEABA—nothing in excess.”    

Padrigao and the Batang Gilas notched the gold medal in the Thursday’s final tussle. And as if that affirmation of dominance wasn’t enough, they also booked a ticket to the FIBA U-16 Asia Cup Championships later this year.

Over the course of four games, the former Adamson Baby Falcon—who is on his way to Ateneo de Manila High School—normed nine points, 3.75 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 4.75 steals—all in an average of 24.18 minutes.

Hailing all the way from Zamboanga, Padrigao also hopes his exposure off the national stage would translate to brighter opportunities.

“Sana maging isa ako sa mga guards sa (Philippine Basketball Association) tulad nina kuya Marc Barroca, sila RR (Garcia). Sana maabot ko din yung naabot nila ngayon,” he added.

The 5-foot-9 guard—who dons short shorts a la fellow Mindanaoan and national team seniors member Jiovanni Jalalon—also bared that he looks up to Jayson Castro as an inspiration.

In the virtual gold medal game, Padrigao finished with five points, 11 rebounds, six dimes and two steals.

And while he is thankful for the mileage he’s getting due to his performance, the incoming 9th grader said he’s also grateful of the lessons he learned in the tournament—especially the ones that he could incorporate into his guard game.

“‘Yung pag-dictate ng pace kasi every day iba-iba mga kalaban namin dito eh,” Padrigao shared. “Minsan mabagal tumakbo, ‘yung iba mabibilis. So kailangan ko mag-adjust dun every day.”

“Magandang experience ‘to para samin kasi once-in-a-lifetime lang ‘to na magkakasama kami lahat na Under-16. Most especially mga kasama ko some of the best guys pa sa Philippines,” he added.