Forthsky Padrigao has decided to leave Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) following ineligibility in the upcoming UAAP Season 86 due to academic deficiencies.
The 6-foot guard announced his departure from the reigning champion team on Monday night, July 31, over a week since it was revealed that Padrigao failed to meet the academic requirements imposed by the school.
“As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself with conflicting emotions. My schedule for enrollment in Ateneo is coming up, but for the first time after six years of considering this school my home, I am struggling very hard to do it. After everything that has happened, I feel that I can’t go back anymore, and I have to say farewell,” the 21-year-old Season 85 Mythical Five Member wrote on his Instagram.
Padrigao emerged as one of the Blue Eagles’ reliable players in the previous season after helping the team to its 12th title against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
It was initially reported that Padrigao was excluded from the Ateneo lineup in the AsiaBasket which prompted news of his status with the team.
The school expected Padrigao to “focus on his academics and fulfill his responsibilities as an Ateneo student” with his time off the court before his eventual exit.