UAAP: UST's Cabañero, Padrigao end collegiate careers proud of rising Growling Tigers

Two different paths that met at a crossroads to turn around a program’s fate.

That is how one could describe the time “King Tiger” Nic Cabañero and veteran guard Forthsky Padrigao shared at the University of Santo Tomas.

Completing his college degree and using up all his athletic eligibility in España, Cabañero lives and breathes UST. 

The six-foot-two player blossomed from being a promising freshman in Season 84 into an undeniable star.

More importantly, alongside Cabañero’s growth is the continued improvement of the Growling Tigers program.

After posting losing records for three straight years, UST returned to the Final Four last season—and again this year.

This gradual shift in fortune for UST is in large part because of Cabañero, who was among the tournament’s top scorers for three consecutive years.

Despite falling short of the dream ending to his collegiate career following a tough loss to UP in the Final Four last Wednesday, Cabañero remains grateful and fulfilled, proud that he stayed with the Growling Tigers through both the highs and lows.

“Actually, hindi lang 'yung pagiging loyal ko 'yung gusto kong i-instill only to UST, but also sa lahat ng schools…mahalin n'yo lang lagi 'yung school n'yo,” Cabanero said.

“I believe in the process na 'yung nararanasan n'yo ngayon, may balik 'yan eh. Kasi may purpose talaga si God na, kaya ganyan 'yung career niyo…although may ups and downs tayo as a player, trust the coach, trust the system, trust the team,” he added.

Meanwhile, despite only getting to play for the España-based team for two seasons, Padrigao brought a winning pedigree to the program. 

After spending his first two years in college with Ateneo, winning a title in the process, Padrigao transferred to UST and slotted into the starting lead guard role.

On-court performances aside, the point guard gave all the appreciation back to the UST community who embraced and called him as one of their own.

“They really welcomed me with open arms…And yung pag-welcome nila sa akin, nag-extend through kina Father Rodel, through our IPEA (Institute of Physical Education and Athletics) officers, sa admin namin doon, professors, the community, and yung classmates. Thankful rin talaga ako kasi binigyan nila ako ng second chance sa UAAP career,” Padrigao said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News