From Zero to Hero

source: www.uaapsports.com
By Anthony Divinagracia and Ivan de Lara
19 February 2010 01:12 PM
In March 2008, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigers, composed mostly of rookies, sophomores, and a few veterans, had the arduous task of facing the highly favored Far Eastern University (UST) Tamaraws in the Season 70 men’s volleyball finals.

It was a David-and-Goliath affair, and pressure was creeping in the system of the young Tigers, but not in John Paul “JP” Torres’.

Coming into the playing court as a substitute for team captain Reno Roque, JP immediately made his presence felt with his strong spikes that ripped through the Tamaraws’ defenses.

“I was not nervous,” JP said. “I was excited. I just did whatever I had been doing during the trainings.”

The Tigers eventually won that series, beating the Tamaraws in Game Three and quashing the Morayta-based squad’s drive for a fourth consecutive title.

Flabby kid

The 20-year-old JP, however, was not always imposing on the court. He used to be a flabby kid coming from a family of athletes. His father used to participate in track and field competitions, while his uncle played basketball. JP, on the other hand, was into tennis.

“I did not start out as a volleyball player,” JP said. “I just played the sport in the streets.”

His street brand of playing though was enough to get the attention of former UST Tiger Spiker Angelo Faustino, who immediately brought him to España. He was just a walk-in applicant, and no other university tried to recruit him. It was understandable as he was not exactly the athletic type.

“He had zero skills and zero attributes when he came in to UST,” said Odjie Mamon, the Tigers’ assistant coach and trainer about his initial impression of JP. “The team got him because he is tall.”

Despite not being a natural volleyball player, the 6’4”-tall JP worked hard to make it to the team.

“He persevered to make the roster,” Mamon said. “He would run for two hours to lose weight. Since getting in the team, he has lost 15 kilos.”

National team-caliber

JP’s hard work has definitely paid off. In Season 71, he was no longer just a substitute. He has become a starter, already a feat in itself especially with the talent that UST fielded in last year.

Playing with team captain Ray Karl Dimaculangan, Reny John Balse, Henry Pecaña, Jayson Ramos, Harby Ilano, Robertly Boto, Charles Reyes, and Roque, JP and the Tigers reasserted their might in Season 71.

UST won all its games in the elimination round, dropping only three sets. The Tigers went on to demolish the University of the Philippines in the finals to complete a rare 17-game sweep en route to their second straight title.

“Of course, every one was happy,” recalled JP, who was named as best player of the finals’ first game. “We worked hard for that title.”

JP’s talent was recognized not only in UAAP but also by the people running the national team. JP was no longer just the flabby kid that tried out for UST’s volleyball team. Mamon said that “his skill is already national team-caliber.”

“Coach Sammy Acaylar (men’s national team coach) invited me to play for the Philippine Team,” JP said, “But my parents were afraid that I might neglect my studies so they did not allow me.”

MVP Numbers

Despite not being able to don the national colors, JP continued to make ripples in the league. This season, the third-year Commerce student amassed 202 points to lead all Tigers in scoring. He is the UAAP’s fourth best scorer, second most efficient spiker, and ninth best blocker—numbers that make him one of the leading candidates for this year’s Most Valuable Player plum.

As the season progresses, the Tigers will definitely pin their hopes on him as they try to gain another finals appearance at the expense of UP, last year’s runner-up, and their semifinals nemesis this year.

“We are all excited, but we still need to work harder,” JP said. “Personally, I still have to improve on my reception and floor defense.”

JP has several days and one more year to do just that as he promises to use his last playing year next season despite the apprehension of his family. This can only mean good news for the Tigers and a cause of worry for their opponents.