Ray Allen Torres was a bona fide scorer back in high school at the University of the Philippines Integrated School.
But then his name faded from the spotlight.
Although he committed to Adamson University for his collegiate career, Torres didn’t get immediate opportunities.
He saw minimal action in his first year during Season 85 (2022) and was left out of the final 5-on-5 rosters in Seasons 86 and 87.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Finally, in Season 88, he got his chance — and it came with an iconic moment made even more emotional because it was against UP.
The NBA legend namesake drilled the game-winning triple as the Soaring Falcons upset the Fighting Maroons, 62-59, on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Admitting that he could have left during the years he spent off the lineup, Torres said he felt glad he stayed.
“Super worth it kasi kaya naman ako nag-Adamson dahil kay coach Nash eh. Kilala naman natin si coach Nash na nagpo-produce ng sobrang galing na guards,” said Torres.
“Kahit nung mga di ako na-lineup, pwede naman ako umalis. Pero nagtiwala ako sa programa niya kasi alam kong doon ako mag-iimprove as a player on and off the court eh. Nagtiwala lang ako sa sistema ni coach Nash, nag payoff naman siya.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
With the game tied at 59, the 6-foot shooting guard claimed the moment. He went one-on-one against lockdown defender Gerry Abadiano and hoisted a triple for the lead with 2.8 seconds remaining, leaving UP with no timeouts.
While UAAP competition had eluded him for the past two seasons, Torres proudly said his confidence in his shot never wavered.
“Big factor yun kasi parang nasa DNA ko na yun eh. Kahit anong mangyari, kahit three years or five years na nakalipas, nasa akin pa rin yun. Kumpyansa pa rin ako kasi alam kong kaya ko,” he said, recalling his high-scoring exploits in UPIS.
With two playing years left, Torres feels determined to make the most of his time and reintroduce himself to the UAAP.
