ALDOUS Torculas is trading his maroons for reds.
The 6-foot-4 wing is transferring from UAAP champion University of the Philippines to a San Beda side determined to reclaim the crown it last wore in 2023.
"Kitang-kita ko pa rin ang winning culture ng San Beda. Para sa akin, matutulungan talaga nila akong mag-grow and ma-develop pa," he confirmed to SPIN.ph.
In Mendiola, he reunites with fellow ex-Fighting Maroons Bismarck Lina and RC Calimag, as they try to stake their claim atop the pecking order of the grand old league that currently has Mapua ruling over it.
READ: Torculas mulling move to NCAA contender after leaving UP
Just a month ago, Torculas decided to leave State U in the hopes of spreading his wings outside Diliman for the first time. He was a key player off the bench in the maroon-and-green's UAAP Season 87 title run, averaging 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in eight minutes of play, all while being tasked to defend the likes of La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao and National U’s Jake Figueroa.
Prior to his stint on Diliman’s seniors squad, he was a standout for UP Integrated School, posting per game counts of 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. He was the most recent homegrown talent to move up from UPIS to UP.
San Beda's place in new NCAA
The 20 year old joins San Beda just as the NCAA is bearing witness to an arms race to catch up with the Cardinals.
Jose Rizal University is in a shopping spree with a new head coach in Nani Epondulan, while San Sebastian is seeking a fresh shot-caller and backer in a bid to return to relevance. Runner-up Benilde and semifinalist Lyceum are also mostly intact, while traditional powerhouse Letran will finally be welcoming Titing Manalili into the fold.
With Torculas' transfer, however, the Red Lions are adamant at staying in the hunt, despite losing former Finals MVP James Payosing a day ago.
READ: UP already readying for post-'NU boys' era with Payosing transfer
The Malabon native will serve one-year residency before being cleared to play come Season 102 next year.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
