BLACKWATER coach Nash Racela sees a Ryan Reyes-type of player in their second-round draftee Joshua Torralba.
The former La Salle and Emilio Aguinaldo College standout was selected No. 15 in the draft despite being unable to accept the team’s invitation to participation in the pre-draft workouts after he went under quarantine.
Racela said Torralba will definitely be an upgrade to Blackwater with his versatility that can be comparable to Reyes, known for his play on both ends of the court being a four-time PBA All-Defensive Team member.
“Toughness, hustle, and ‘yung kanyang versatility,” said Racela when asked about Torralba’s upside. “Lakas at loob. Ang nakikita namin is he is more in a mold of Ryan Reyes.”
Before being drafted by Blackwater, Torralba suited up for Makati Super Crunch in the MPBL where he averaged 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and a 35 percent clip from threes.
Blackwater was also able to select another second-rounder Rey Mark Acuno as well as Andre Paras, who both impressed in pre-draft workouts.
“Si Paras and Acuno kasi we were able to invite them pre-draft. Alam naman namin kung ano mabibigay nila sa amin. May go-signal ang management to negotiate with those guys,” said Racela.
Racela also welcomes recent statements by Paras that he has his full commitment with Blackwater and is willing to take a step back from his showbiz career.
“Management naman ang nag-usap and according to what I’m reading, he will prioritize basketball. Okay din naman. This is a time for him to develop himself. Bata pa si Andre,” Racela said.
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.
