Zamboanga Valientes' Forthsky Padrigao says it's an 'honor' to play with old foe-turned-teammate Malick Diouf

Just two years ago, Forthsky Padrigao and Malick Diouf were going at it as Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines disputed the UAAP Season 85 crown in 2022.

Padrigao and the Blue Eagles went on to claim the title, completing their redemption campaign against the Fighting Maroons who defeated them in the finals of the previous year.

Padrigao and Diouf now find themselves representing the same team in the Zamboanga Valientes as they represent the Philippines in the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.

"Si Malick naman kasi madali kasama e. Even nu’ng magkalaban kami, inaasar-asar ko siya sa court and masayahing tao lang din si Malick and swerte din ako kasi si Malick matalong import, masipag," Padrigao, a product of Zamboanga, said during the team's media day on Tuesday in Mandaluyong.

"So maging kakampi si Malick, malaking honor sa’kin."

[Malick is easy to be with. Even when we were opponents, I would tease him on court and he's such a happy person and he's a hard working import... So to be teammates with Malick is an honor for me.]

While their college rivalry is one to remember for Padrigao, the flashy guard said having faced Diouf in the UAAP before is now one of the reasons for their smooth chemistry for Zamboanga.

"Okay naman kasi parang parehas kaming familiar kami sa laro ng isa’t-isa kasi maraming beses na magkalaban kami sa UAAP and I think ayon ‘yung naging key kung bakit mas napadali ‘yung dynamics naming dalawa ni Malick," Padrigao, who now banners UST, added.

[It's okay because we're both familiar with each other's games because we played against each other multiple times in the UAAP. And I think that's been key why the dynamics between the two of us have been easy.]

The 6-foot-11 Diouf echoed, saying sharing the court and same vision with Padrigao is an advantage for the Valientes.

"It’s good to be teammates with Forth. Forth is a good player. He’s young but he has a lot of potential. And him coming to the team is a big help right now," Diouf told GMA News Online.

"We need him because he’s listening to the coaches and he’s sharing all his experiences. He’s young and very athletic. I can say he’s in shape. He’s going to be a good help."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News