Xyrus Torres was a revelation when NLEX gave him the chance to showcase his wares.
Showcasing what he could bring to the table for the Jong Uichico-mentored squad, the rookie came up with a performance to remember as he powered the Road Warriors to their first win in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.
The 30th overall pick in the last Draft had an almost flawless outing after nailing 11-of-12 field goals for a 28-point explosion in NLEX’s 109-95 spoiler of debuting Rain or Shine Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Torres swished in all of his six two-point attempts, only missed one of his six three-pointers and only had one turnover in almost 29 minutes of play.
His inspired game allowed the Road Warriors to rebound from an opening day loss to San Miguel Beer.
“It’s just my mindset to give back to our coaches, to coach Jong, for the opportunities they’ve been giving me. I didn’t expect to have this kind of role in the team,” the Far Eastern University product said.
‘Xy played great defense on Nocum. His mindset is focused on defending Nocum. I told him Nocum is a hell of a player and very hard to stop. Fast and has many moves, maybe Xy just wanted the challenge’
“I’m overwhelmed because rookies, as they say, get a small chance of playing and being in the rotation. But with the coaches’ trust in me, I always keep in mind to give back and return that faith in me.”
Torres’ career night came a basket shy of writing history.
He was one field goal made short of tying the PBA record set by then Coca-Cola big man Ali Peek when he shot a flawless 12-of-12 clip from the field back in the 2006 Philippine Cup against his former team Alaska.
The 24-year-old didn’t even know he was close to putting his name on the record books.
“I have no idea about that. I guess I just played with no pressure. I just grabbed the opportunity given to me,” he said.
Uichico praised the freshman for stepping on the plate and embracing his role.
“I won’t say he over-exceeded expectations. It’s just that, as I was telling him, it’s unfair that he was given a baptism of fire. Already in the first five and playing 30-plus minutes a game in the past conference of so,” the mentor said.
“We thought that maybe Xy’s feeling the pressure, but he came out today and delivered what was needed. He stepped up. I guess Xy stepped up to the challenge of his role.”
More than his offensive outburst, Uichico lauded Torres’ effort in making life miserable for Elasto Painters star guard Adrian Nocum.
Torres stuck to Nocum like glue as the Rain or Shine spitfire’s shooting efficiency dipped to a 5-of-13 field goal clip for 11 points.
“Xy played great defense on Nocum. His mindset is focused on defending Nocum. I told him Nocum is a hell of a player and very hard to stop. Fast and has many moves, maybe Xy just wanted the challenge,” Uchico said.
“But it’s a good sign. Other players are challenged offensively but Xy is challenged defensively.”
Torres downplayed his matchup with Nocum, saying that he’s just fulfilling his main job — playing defense.
“As coach Jong would always tell me, it doesn’t matter if I’m out offensively, as long I don’t lose my defensive mindset. I know I was brought into this situation for my defensive presence,” Torres said.