When one leaves, another arrives.
That has been San Beda’s mantra in the post-pandemic era. And it remains true to this day.
Just a day after James Payosing departed for University of the Philippines, Aldous Torculas committed to San Beda on Friday.
“San Beda ang napili ko kasi kasi nakikita ko na may winning culture sila,” said the one-time UAAP men’s basketball champion.
It also helped that good pals Bismarck Lina and RC Calimag had nothing but good things to say about Yuri Escueta and the Red Lions program.
In the end, it was Escueta’s vision that convinced him to join the Red Lions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nakausap ko rin yung mga kaibigan ko sa beda about Coach Yuri and sa tingin ko matutulungan ako ni Coach Yuri para ma-develop pa,” he added.
The 20-year-old forward took his time deciding on his next move after spending three seasons with UP.
He considered all possible NCAA schools, including the likes of Jose Rizal University, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, and College of Saint Benilde.
The 6-foot-4 forward played a total of 38 games for UP, with his best season coming last year, when he averaged 3.87 points and 2.33 rebounds per game.
“Gusto ko talaga ma-develop yung game ko at gusto ko rin ma-explore kung ano pa yung mga kaya ko gawin sa court,” Torculas said about the move.
“Isa rin sa mga goal ko is matulungan yung team and makuha yung trust nila.”
Now, he joins a Red Lions squad that features Jommel Puno, Ronrei Tolentino, and Zedjay Etulle as they gear up for NCAA Season 102.
Torculas will sit out one year before becoming eligible to play up to two seasons in Mendiola.
