National University has successfully attained the commitment of its own high school standout, Reyland Torres, who confirmed to Rappler on Thursday, January 28, that he will join new head coach Jeff Napa’s NU Bulldogs.
The 6-foot-1 proud product of Bago City, Negros Occidental revealed it was after important discussions with loved ones which drove him to not even hear pitches from other potential suitors.
“Pinili ko yung NU kasi dun po panatag yung loob ko,” said the 19-year-old. “May mga reasons din ako, and siyempre, yung family ko na nag push sa akin na mag NU ako for college.”
(I chose NU because that’s where I’m most at ease. I have my reasons, and of course, my family also pushed me to go to NU for college.)
Torres was a key cog for the NU-Nazareth squad which dominated the UAAP Season 82 high school tournament.
That team not lacking in talent included other top-tier high school standouts, like Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo, and completed a 16-0 sweep of the season on their way to another championship for the successful Bullpups program.
Torres, who was ranked 14th in the UAAP-NBTC ranking of top high school players, reveals he doesn’t know yet what his role will be for Napa, although that’s something they’ll figure out with more time together. For now, Torres takes part in NU’s Zoom workouts.
“Sa totoo lang po wala pa akong exact na role na talaga, pero kaya ko maglaro ng 2 or 3. Sabi naman po sa akin ni coach, ako naman gagawa nun at makikita rin naman po ng mga coach kung ano nababagay na role para sa akin,” he said.
(I really don’t have an exact role, but I can play 2 or 3. Coach told me that I’ll figure it out and they’ll also see what role fits me.)
As far as what he hopes to improve, Torres admits he needs to build strength to compete against college players.
“Alam naman po natin yung pisikalan lalong-lalo na po pag college na (We know that it can get very physical in college action),” he admitted.
Torres, who’s had his taste of high school championship glory, states he wants to accomplish the same now that he’s in NU’s college varsity.
“Siyempre makuha ang championship kasi every player and team yun naman ang goal – ang makuha yun,” he said.
(To get the championship, of course that’s the goal of every player and team.)
NU has not won a UAAP title since 2014 when coach Eric Altamirano’s Bulldogs, powered by Alfred Aroga and Gelo Alolino, snapped a 60-year title drought for the university.
The Bulldogs finished last at 2-12 in the UAAP Season 82 seniors division, making the addition of Torres an important one. – Rappler.com
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