ALDOUS Torculas didn't need to wait long before putting his name in the 'King Lion' conversation.
In his first taste of San Beda-Letran this NCAA Season 102, the 6-foot-4 forward took it upon himself to be the knight in shining armor for the Red Lions down the stretch.
"I wanted it," Torculas admitted after anchoring San Beda to the 74-65 overtime win over Letran on Monday.
Unwavering under duress, the Malabon City native bucked his first missed try and still had the guts to take another crack to tie the game, drilling a booming three from the top of the arc with 4.1 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 61.
READ: Torculas powers San Beda past Letran after gritty back-and-forth
And with the rivalry game going the extra mile, Torculas made sure to never let go of this second chance, dropping six of his 18 points thanks to two more back-breaking treys in overtime which went with his five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
So impressive was that clutch performance was that even coach Yuri Escueta couldn't help but ask his first-year forward: "First time?" as if it's Torculas' first to be featured in that prime position.
Truth be told, it didn't look like it.
For Torculas, his faith in taking those clutch buckets were borne out of the countless hours he spent on the gym.
"Wino-work ko yung shots na ganoon," he said.
Nagkataon na sa game ngayon, kailangan kong i-shoot yung bola and I'm very fortunate na sa akin napunta at tinira ko lang yung shots with confidence."
So driven was he to power San Beda to victory that Torculas couldn't help but shed a few tears, bloodied and all from the intense battle that was.
Escueta was the least surprised of this superb outing though.
"I have great confidence in Aldous and I have great confidence on all of them," he said.
"That's the reason why Aldous is here (in San Beda) to get that experience and exposure. We know he can play and expected naman na with the way he's playing right now."
And to the two-time champion coach, this is just the tip of the iceberg for Torculas.
"Malaki pa ang potential ni Aldous to get better. Bata pa ito eh. So he just has to stay humble every time," said Escueta.
So is Escueta ready to christen Torculas with that 'king' tag?
"Walang 'King Lion' sa amin. Kayo na bahala pero sa amin, wala. Di namin iniisip yun," the bench tactician said. "Whoever ang mag-step up every game, eh di siya na lang ang 'King Lion'."
Judging by the loud Torculas cheers in jubilation, the Bedan faithful may have already did.
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.
