Torculas bolts out of UP, joins NCAA

Aldous Torculas has waved goodbye to University of the Philippines (UP) to bring his act to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The off-the-bench player of reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball champions Fighting Maroons opted to forego his remaining playing years in the league to join a top NCAA contender squad with hopes of winning another title albeit in a different league.

His championship experience and battle-tested grit will be valuable for the team he will land on. Multiple schools have expressed interest in tapping the 6-foot-4 wingman including repeat-seeking Mapua University.

“We’re proud of Aldous wherever he decided to play next and we’re sure that he’ll make UP proud by bringing the UP Fight,” UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol said.

It will be the first time UP homegrown Torculas will suit up for a team outside Diliman after six years.

“We wish Aldous the best and for sure, there are no goodbyes to be said right now. We’ll see you soon!” Perasol added.

Torculas was a key player off the bench for the UP in its title run in UAAP Season 87.

He averaged 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in a norm of eight minutes of action, all while being tasked to defend the like of two-time Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao of De La Salle University especially in the finals series that went the full distance.

Before playing for the seniors’ squad, Torculas was a UP Integrated School standout.

During his junior days, he was averaging 11.6 points, 15.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 2.3 steals en route to Season 82 boys’ Mythical Team honors.