From Witnessing Bolick’s 50-Point Game to Being Compared to Him: Torculas Walks Familiar Path

Aldous Torculas once watched Robert Bolick make history in a San Beda jersey. Now, the former UP forward is being compared to the very player he considers the Red Lions’ GOAT.

The comparison is rooted in a similar path. Both Torculas and Bolick began their collegiate careers as bench players in the UAAP and were part of championship-winning teams before moving to San Beda, where they emerged as standouts in the NCAA.

For Torculas, being linked to one of the most celebrated players in San Beda history is an honor.

“I’m very honored na maikumpara sa isa sa mga GOAT ng San Beda. Very happy lang ako at ine-embrace ko ‘yung mga sinasabi sa akin, comparison man ‘yan. But I have to stay humble pa rin. Siyempre si Kuya Bolick ‘yun – isa sa mga nilu-look up ko.” the 6-foot-4 forward told ALL-STAR.

Bolick left a lasting mark on the NCAA during his time with the Red Lions. He helped San Beda win three consecutive championships and established himself as one of the league’s top players. His 50-point outburst against Arellano remains one of the most memorable scoring performances in NCAA history.

For Torculas, that performance is more than a number in the record books. He witnessed it firsthand, watching the player he admired deliver one of the most remarkable scoring performances in league history.

“Para sa akin, si Kuya Bolick yung San Beda GOAT. Nawitness ko sa TV ‘yung 50-point game niya noon, sabi ko, ‘Grabe,'” he recalled.

Now, Torculas is beginning to make his own mark in the same program.

Still in his first season with San Beda, the 6-foot-4 forward has already shown flashes of the ability that made the comparison possible. While it remains early in his NCAA career, his performances have given Red Lions fans reason to pay attention.

Torculas has delivered some of his biggest performances against NCAA heavyweights. He scored 29 points on 61.5% shooting against preseason champions JRU before hitting a clutch three with 4.1 seconds left to force overtime against rival Letran. He finished that game with 18 points, five rebounds, and two blocks as San Beda went on to win in overtime.

But Torculas’ journey to San Beda began before he ever wore the red jersey.

Before making the jump to the NCAA, he was part of the University of the Philippines team that won the UAAP Season 87 championship. Playing alongside established collegiate standouts gave him an opportunity to learn from players who had already experienced the demands of competing at the highest level.

Among those who helped shape his game was CJ Cansino, one of Torculas’ teammates with the Fighting Maroons.

“Noong naging teammate ko si CJ Cansino, marami talaga akong natutunan sa kanya.” Torculas said.

“Siyempre ‘yung kapal ng mukha, number one ‘yun. At siyempre ‘yung maniwala ka lang sa sarili. Lagi niyang sinasabi sa akin na maniwala ako sa sarili ko at sa mga kaya ko pang gawin. Very grateful ako na nandiyan si CJ sa tabi ko. Hanggang ngayon, ‘pag may mga tanong ako about leadership, sa kanya pa rin ako nagtatanong,” he added.

Cansino’s advice about confidence and believing in himself remains relevant as Torculas adjusts to a new environment and takes on a bigger role at San Beda.

Despite the comparisons to Bolick, however, Torculas is not focused on becoming the team’s sole star. He sees a deep and talented roster capable of producing different players who can step up when needed.

When asked about the possibility of becoming the next “King Lion,” he pointed to the strength of the group around him.

“Hindi ko siya tinitingnan ng ganoon. Itong team na ‘to sobrang deep at sobrang talented. Kung ma-maximize lang namin ‘yung strength namin as a team, I feel like everyone can be a King Lion.” Torculas said.

For Torculas, the title is not reserved for one player. He believes the Red Lions have enough talent for anyone to rise to the occasion.

The comparison to Bolick connects Torculas to one of San Beda’s most celebrated players, but his own journey is only beginning. With the lessons he brought from UP and the experience he continues to gain in the NCAA, he now has the opportunity to build a legacy of his own.

Whether he eventually earns the “King Lion” title remains to be seen. For now, Torculas is focused on making the most of his opportunity and helping San Beda succeed as a team.