Jimboy Torion, the son of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stalwart Jimwell “Tora Tora” Torion has committed to join National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) powerhouse San Beda Red Lions.
The development was confirmed by both Torion and San Beda team manager Jude Roque. Also joining Torion at San Beda is his fellow Argao-native, Leandro Manloluyo.
Roque relayed to SunStar Cebu that he saw the two players during their stint for Argao in the Governor’s Cup basketball tournament and was impressed by what the duo’s skills.
“I saw Jimboy and Lean while playing in Argao for the provincial tournament, and I was impressed. Both are very skilled and I think they can be future key players for the Red Lions,” said the affable Red Lion official.
“They just need to mature in their game and get used to systematic basketball. But I see great potential in them,” Roque added.
Torion said he is grateful to San Beda for giving him a shot. After spending some time at Jose Rizal University, Torion shared that he tried out at several schools here in Cebu but did not get admitted since his age is already ineligible for the high school division.
Rather than lose hope, Torion instead went back home to Argao, attended school and continued to sharpen his skills. His hard work paid off when Roque was able to take a look at him during the aforementioned Governor’s Cup where he played for Argao.
“Timing sad kayo naa ang team manager sa San Beda nga si Coach Jude Roque na appreciate niya among dinuwaan then mao to, duha mi nga gi-recruit ni Leandro Manloloyo para maka duwa sa seniors sa San Beda. I chose San Beda kay gihatagan ko nila ug opportunity nga makaskwela og maka duwa sa team (The timing was perfect since the team manager of San Beda, Jude Roque, was there and he appreciated our game and recruited us to join San Beda. I chose San Beda because they gave us the chance to go to school and play for the team),” shared Torion.
As nervous as Torion says he is, he shared that it is an honor to be joining a team with such an illustrious basketball history and a winning tradition unmatched in the NCAA.
“Excited ko sa mga new team mates, coach, classmates, teachers and especially sa mga new challenges nga akong ma-encounter og siyempre, excited ko maka duwa sa team (I’m excited for the new teammates, coach, classmates, teachers and especially the new challenges that I will encounter),” said Torion.
The younger Torion said his father has been a steady presence and a guiding light in all his decisions. The older Torion was once a star in the pro league until a suspension due to a failed drug test derailed his career in 2003. His suspension was eventually lifted but he was never quite the same after that incident.
“Grabe ka supportive akong papa when it comes to basketball. Actually supportive kaayo siya kung unsa ang makaayo sa among life. He always motivates me whenever I feel like giving up and siya ang akong inspiration sa akong life ug sa akong basketball career (My father is very supportive of me when it comes to basketball and life in general. He always motivates me whenever I feel like giving up),” shared Torion.
“Ang pinakanindot niya nga na hatag nga advice nako is this ‘If you really love your passion, you must strive hard for it. Put your heart, mind, and soul on what you are doing. Focus on your goals’," added the younger Torion. (JNP)