THOMAS Torres has vowed to return for De La Salle this season after suffering a serious ankle injury early in Season 77 of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
Torres said he is very sure he will rejoin the Green Archers anytime, saying he feels better each day after incurring the injury in the team’s game against archrival Ateneo two weeks ago.
“One-hundred percent, I’m going back,” said Torres, before recanting the statement to prove his point.
“One-hundred one percent,” he stressed.
Torres said he suffered the injury after stepping on the foot of Ateneo’s Nico Elorde. He played through it but the condition only got worse, forcing him to leave the Araneta Coliseum in crutches.
“Natapilok ako. I stepped on Elorde’s foot,” Torres explained. “But then, ginawa ko, tinry ko laruin. Hindi siya napansin sa game. Pinagpag ko lang. Napasama pa yata.”
Although he doesn’t want to put a timetable on his return, Torres said he is in high spirits as the pain in his right foot is beginning to subside.
“Getting better. Nagle-lessen ‘yung pain each day. Ayokong pangunahan, pero I’m hoping soon (that I can return). Hindi namin minamadali,” he added.
Without Torres, La Salle committed 36 turnovers against University of the East on Sunday. Yet, despite the number of errors, the Archers still came away with a come-from-behind 60-58 win.
La Salle coach Juno Sauler admitted Torres' absence contributed to the Archers committing all those turnovers.
The former La Salle Greenhills standout said he has confidence in his teammates, particularly fellow point guard Kib Montalbo and combo guard Almond Vosotros, filling the gap while he is out injured.
“Siyempre, sad and disappointed with myself (that I can’t contribute). Pero I know we are one team and we are intact. I trust my teammates. Marami kaming turnovers pero we got the W. We just have to work each day,” said Torres.
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