Birthday Greeting to Sir Tony Torrente ( Dec 07 )

Tony Torrente is an 8-year PBA veteran. Going into his ninth season in the pro league, Tony appears to be headed for a downward elevator ride. He still has 'it' but the stiffness of the competition has somewhat slowed his game. He no longer gets to play his usual game and that's because he spends less time on the hardcourt and more on the bench. But once sent in, he always makes good of his short stint. Quality time, that's what they call it. "Medyo binago ko ang laro ni Tony. I'm trying to convert him into a point guard. Tipong kakayanin naman niya," said Valenzona. "Kasi, sa laro ngayon, I can only field in one of the three small guards at a single time. Isa lang ang maliit sa loob. Isa lang ang specific role. Hindi naman natin masasabing si Tony or si Onchie ay pamalit lang kay Willie. Puwe deng vice-versa rin," Tony broke into the pro league in 1978 and spent four years with Royal Tru-Orange, And then he was shipped to Galerie Dominique and saw action for the Artists in 1982 and 1983. In 1984, he almost joined Gilbey's. Fact is, he was that close to signing a contract with the Gins. But Jaworski and Arnaiz slipped in leaving Torrente out in the cold. Luckily he landed with Tanduay.

Now is his time to show Ginebra he was worth signing up. "Last minute na nang i-release ako. Buti na lang kinuha ako ng Tanduay kung hindi nabakante aka. Mahirap yung nabakante ka Kung hindi ka superstar malamang na malimu tan ka na," said Tony. Eventually, Torrente was reunited with Valenzona at Tanduay. And Valen zona is making up for the injustice done to Torrente. Right now, Tony, who is already 31 years old, is hoping that his cage career would go up again. "Bata pa naman ako. Marami pa akong puwedeng ipakita," said Tony. The contracts of both Dela Cruz and Torrente will expire at the end of this year. But with the sudden brilliance they are showing, who knows, that might just be enough ground for a renewal.