Lions upbeat after acquiring Torculas

MANILA, Philippines — San Beda Red Lions head coach Yuri Escueta sees a bright future for his new recruit Aldous Torculas. 

Torculas joined the Red Lions last week after winning a championship in the last UAAP men’s basketball season with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. 

The 6-foot-4 forward announced the transfer a day after former NCAA finals Most Valuable Player James Payosing moved to UP. 

Escueta last week told reporters that Torculas told him that for his final two collegiate years, he wants “to be able to play”.

“He wants to maximize playing in NCAA games, hopefully semis and finals games. So, yun yung last two years niya. Of course, yung individual development niya, yung unang tiyanong niya, kung anong kailangan niya i-develop, and kung anuman ang goal niya,” Escueta, who is also an assistant coach for the TNT Tropang Giga, said. 

“So sinabi niya yung goal niya, he wants to be able to play yung at the three position, which he thinks, and I think, that would help him in the next level of his career. Yung pro level niya at the shooting, small forward position,” he added. 

Escueta also underscored that the wing player has “very promising athleticism and agility,” and he has the capability of following the footsteps of a former San Beda King Lion. 

“Being a guard, kayang-kaya. Parang Calvin Oftana. So parang ganoon siya eh, may pagka-Calvin Oftana siya eh,” the coach stressed. 

“So kailangan niya develop, of course, yung ball handling niya, tsaka yung shooting niya. Parang maging Kuya Calvin Oftana,” he added. 

Torculas, who averaged 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, announced that he will be leaving the Fighting Maroons behind in February. 

Escueta added that the team is “very lucky” with Torculas’ transfer to San Beda. 

Torculas will be eligible to play for the Red Lions starting NCAA Season 102. He will still be able to play for two years, forming the team’s core with Nygel Gonzales and Penny Estacio. 

Asked about Payosing, the coach said there are no hard feelings on his transfer to Diliman. 

“‘Di importante sa amin kung sino maalis eh. Hindi mo ba mapansin yun? Pag may umaalis sa amin, balewala. Ang mas malungkot ako dahil yung relationship namin of him being my player.

Of course, hindi ka na siya maging player. Mas yun. Pero him as a part of nung team namin, we have other guys that could step in sa role niya,” he said. 

“So, it's all about yung other guys being ready naman to grab the opportunity given to them.” 

Payosing will serve a one-year residency before being able to play in Season 88. He will also have two more years of eligibility for the Fighting Maroons.