Beyond the Rookie of The Year Race, Torculas and Walker Have a Title to Chase
The UAAP-to-NCAA transition has produced Rookie of the Year winners in recent seasons, with Rhenz Abando and Clint Escamis among those who made the jump and claimed the distinction. This season, either Aldous Torculas or Denzil Walker could be the next to join that list.
Former UP teammates who helped the Fighting Maroons win UAAP Season 87, Torculas and Walker have emerged as two of the leading contenders for this season’s award in their NCAA debut campaigns.
Torculas has made an immediate impact for the Red Lions, averaging 14.92 points, 6.46 rebounds, and 2.15 assists per game. His performances have made him one of San Beda’s promising young players, with some already drawing comparisons to his favorite Red Lions player, Robert Bolick, whom he considers the program’s GOAT.
Walker has also made his presence felt in his first NCAA season, averaging 12.0 points, 4.62 rebounds, and 1.92 assists per game for the Knights. With his athleticism, highlight-reel dunks, and offensive firepower, Walker has given Letran another valuable contributor.
A Friendly Competition
Despite competing for the same individual honor, the former teammates are happy to see each other succeed.
Torculas expressed his happiness over Walker’s performance, saying he was glad to see his former teammate showcase his game in his first NCAA season.
“I’m very happy talaga, lalo na sa aming dalawa. Alam ko nagtrabaho talaga kami, especially Denzil. I’m very happy na naipakita niya talaga yung game niya this season,” Torculas told ALL-STAR.
Walker, meanwhile, could not think of anyone else he’d rather be competing against for the award.
“There’s really nobody else I would rather be competing with for Rookie of the Year. I’m proud of Aldous. If he wins it, if I win it, I’m sure we’re going to talk about it and congratulate each other either way it goes,” Walker told ALL-STAR.
The Bigger Prize
While the Rookie of the Year race gives them another reason to compete, both players remain focused on the bigger prize: an NCAA championship.
“Ang goal talaga mag-champion eh. Ayan yung ultimate goal ko, champion talaga,” Torculas said.
Walker shared the same priority, making it clear that individual recognition was secondary to winning a title.
“That’s nice, but that wasn’t really like one of my main goals going into the season. One of my main goals was the championship, of course,” Walker said.
Both San Beda and Letran finished the elimination round atop their respective groups, putting the Red Lions and the Knights in a strong position heading into the playoffs.
One of them may soon join Abando and Escamis as an NCAA Rookie of the Year. But like their predecessors, Torculas and Walker have their eyes on something bigger. Beyond the individual honor, both former teammates are chasing the same prize: an NCAA championship.
