6’2 combo guard Joshua Torralba will not be part of the “new-look” De La Salle University Green Archers squad in their UAAP Season 79 campaign.
In an Instagram post posted Monday evening, Torralba cited that he will return to the US to finish his education in his previous university in Texas. Moreover, he added that he has lost his passion for the game of basketball. “To set the foundation flat with pure honesty, my passion to play the game has drastically drifted away from me and change of heart for my future endeavors. I believe that in whatever I do wherever I go, God will make me prosper with basketball or not,” he said in the post.
“I am greatly blessed to be part of the De La Salle University basketball team and nothing of my decision is due to them, coaches, managers, school, staff, but solely on me.”
He then closed his post in expressing his gratitude to his teammates, the La Salle staff, his fans, among others in saying:
“From the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you to all those who supported me from the La Salle community throughout the Philippines and other countries, alumni, journalists, Animo squad, fan clubs, my family, friends, coaches, and everyone who has given me their support since I arrived. To my teammates and to the previous and new coaching staff, thank you for the long ride last year, the friendship, and accepting my decision.”
“To the managers and especially Boss Danding, thank you so much for the unbelievable guidance and help you gave me through it all. I believe the best is yet to come for you guys and I pray for the best this season and more. I’ll be watching games and supporting ya’ll back home.”
Torralba played for the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals in the NCAA in 2011. He then decided to move back to the states before returning back to the country. He then made his debut with the De La Salle University Green Archers in 2015.
In his only year with the Green Archers, the Filipino-American student-athlete was a vital piece in Juno Sauler’s rotation. He posted norms of 7.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 1.3 triples per game in 22.7 minutes of action. His season high in point production was 12 points, positing it twice. However, his breakout moment was when he hit a game-winning three-pointer against Ateneo during their first round encounter last season.
According to new head coach Aldin Ayo prior to Torralba’s announcement, the De La Salle Green Archers has a plethora of guards in their lineup. However, Torralba’s size combined with his ball-handling abilities at the guard position is a big loss for the cagers of Taft Avenue.
