UP’s Aldous Torculas during UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Former University of the Philippines forward Aldous Torculas officially jumped ship from Diliman to Mendiola with self-improvement in mind.
On Friday, Torculas named San Beda the next stop in his collegiate basketball career after helping the Fighting Maroons notch the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball championship.
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“I chose San Beda because I can see their winning culture,” said the 6-foot-4 Torculas.
READ: UAAP: Aldous Torculas leaves UP, eyes NCAA transfer
“I really want to develop my game and I also want to explore what else I can do inside the basketball court,” he added.
Torculas showed glimpses of his capability despite playing limited minutes, norming 3.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in UP’s UAAP Season 87 title run last December.
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Torculas’ arrival in the Red Lions’ lineup will also be of huge significance, considering San Beda lost one of its most vital pieces in James Payosing.
Payosing, just a few hours removed from Torculas’ commitment with San Beda, switched lanes to Katipunan and joined the Fighting Maroons—almost in trade-like fashion.
READ: UAAP Finals: Aldous Torculas brings spark of energy to UP Fighting Maroons
Without Payosing, the NCAA Season 99 Finals MVP, Torculas is expected to thrive under coach Yuri Escueta’s system, something that influenced his move to one of the NCAA’s historic juggernauts.
“I talked to my friends in Beda about coach Yuri and I think he can help me develop even more.”
“One of my goals is to really help the team and gain their trust.”
The 20-year-old forward will serve one residency year for the Red Lions before joining the squad’s lineup in Season 102.