Despite being surprised, Torres "privileged" to be part of Gilas pool

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Norbert Torres admitted to some reporters that he was surprised that Coach Chot Reyes included him to the Gilas pool.

"At first, I was surprised," the six-foot-six big man said on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena right after Phoenix's win over Ginebra that succeeded Reyes' announcement of the national team pool.

Despite his reaction, Torres said, "I'm just privileged to be part of the pool so as to get the opportunity to represent the country."

However, for Coach Ariel Vanguardia, Torres' call-up is something he anticipated.

"He can space the floor. He's a big man that can shoot threes, defend, and rebound. I know Coach Chot has a plan, and I trust and put my confidence on Coach Chot that he'll be able to develop him further. He's very coachable. He's the future of the franchise," the Fuel Masters mentor said in a separate interview.

Meanwhile, in another interview, Torres' fellow Fil-Canadian player Matt Wright said that he is even happier to team up with him in the Nationals.

"I'm probably happier than he is. He just needs a little more motivation," the Gilas Cadet, who was initially named to the pool last year, said.

Meanwhile, Torres vowed to improve his game as he is tasked for a responsibility that could be hard to matched.

"[Ranidel De Ocampo's role] is [a pair of] big shoes to fill. Sana I'll be able to do my best and learn from Coach Chot," he said.

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