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Sports: Torculas cracks Mythical Five, Canillas bags ROTY Award
CLOSING. Torculas and Canillas reentering the game from a timeout in the final minutes of their last game of UAAP Season 82. Photo Credit: Shannen Dimaano
The Junior Fighting Maroons have found the silver linings in what was an underwhelming season for them.
Despite finishing the season at the bottom of the standings at 1-13, the Junior Fighting Maroons still had enough shining moments to earn recognition as Aldous Torculas and Jelo Canillas bring home awards to the UP community. Torculas clinched a spot in the Mythical Five while Canillas was crowned the Rookie of the Year.
Torculas made it known from the get-go that he was going to be a major force in the league, scoring 10 points, dishing 5 dimes, and grabbing 25 rebounds in his debut. His dominance continued until the last game of the season where he grabbed 15 boards, racked up 7 rejections, and scored 14 points, including the game-sealing three that closed the door on a UE comeback and gave UPIS its only win of the season, ending a 19-game losing streak. The do-it-all forward ended the season with per-game averages of 11.6 points, 15.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks. His incredible averages allowed him to finish the season being first in rebounds, second in steals, second in blocks, and third in assists.
Canillas’ determination and drive earned him the praise of his teammates as someone who gave his 110% whenever he stepped on the hardwood. He was streaky offensively, scoring in the double-digits some games and making only one basket in others. However, his active effort and hustle allowed him to clean up after his team’s mistakes. The Maroon center averaged 4 offensive rebounds and 1.4 blocks to go along with his 7.2 points and 1.4 assists.
With expectations for them rising after they won their awards, the two Maroons are looking to use the season as a whetstone for them to improve and win more games next season.
“You guys can expect that next season, our team will come back stronger and better. I will be a more experienced player next season and more mature as well,” promised the Rookie of the Year.
On the other hand, Torculas said that he will not be fixated on people’s expectations of him and that his focus will instead be on improvement. “Gusto ko muna i-work lahat ng pwede kong i-work para makapaghanda sa next season.”
They will not be alone, however, as they will be joined by their teammates including points-per-game leader Ray Torres, team captain Collin Dimaculangan, and starting forward Jordi Gomez de Liano when they come back for more next year. //by Magan Basilio and Justin Polendey
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