16 July 2015

Bolts May Want To Avoid Torres

Norbert Torres
Some observers believed that when the Bolts’ get a chance to pick a big man in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft on 23 August 2015, they should choose Norbert Torres if he is still available. Most argue that the 6-foot-6 and 200-pound center from La Salle will be a big boost for the undersize Bolts.

Moreover, the consensus is that the Bolts will gain more from Torres’ moves down in the low post, hustle for loose balls, and a shot-blocking presence in the defensive end. This blog disagrees.

Since his rookie season in the UAAP playing for the Taft-based school until he graduated, Torres can only manage 8.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. That is hardly an impressive performance from somebody touted to be a quality big man.

After he joined the Cebuana Lhuiller in the PBA D-League, many thought he could be further improve his game, but to no avail. In all his game with the Gems, he has not proven to be a consistent threat from inside.

However, he has the potential to be better at the pick and roll game. During his college days, he only had was supposed to be the "reliable" big man who can set picks and dive, but the big man wasn’t even good at it.

By collegiate standards, he’s a pretty good offensive player, even taking into account the D-League players. If he let himself be drafted by the PBA, he’d definitely go in the first round if the right team picks him and that is not Meralco Bolts.

His midrange is average and his rebounding mediocre. He will only take precious minutes and affect the quality of play from Reynel Hugnatan and John Ferriols. However, he’s also shown to be very aggressive, will not hesitate to drive, even if he gets hit. He’s got good body control and uses his bulk to get some clearance.

Is he PBA ready? Maybe. But a season or two at the D-League will further let him develop skills that can make him more formidable.

No comments:

Post a Comment