Happy Birthday, Antonio "Tony" Torrente ( Dec 7 )

Happy Birthday, Antonio "Tony" Torrente

1978 PBA Rookie Direct Hire
University of the East Red Warriors guard
1977 MICAA Sportsmanship Awardee
4x PBA champion
10-PBA season veteran
3-PBA team player

Source : Assorted Magazines (PBA Archives Collections)

Antonio Torrente has always played simple basketball. Even as a stalwart of Villar Recording in the MICAA, he has always played this way. But his silent hardcourt effectivity has always been there, everpresent. He might not have enjoyed the adulation thrown to some MICAA stars, but to those who knew their basketball, Torrente had always been a name to reckon with in the game. The 6-0 forward-guard, with curly-tops and ideal built, like Jacutin, was signed-up to a two-year contract. He gets a P3,000 monthly pay, allowances and a service car. "I hope to improve my basketball and really be good to support my father and mother," the family breadwinner said. Among the six newcomers gracing the Tru-Orange lineup, Torrente has displayed the more dependable brand, consistent with his offensive and defensive skills. "Hindi naiba ang laro. While other neophytes succumbed to jitters, Torrente did not," a fan remarked. Torrente has the moves. Shifted to the wings, he can deliver from outside and inside. He has a knack on one-on-one which makes him effective on fast games. Although the first one to admit that he has to inject more speed to his playing, Torrente has shown that he can be a dependable cog because of his. well-timed moves. His defense is consistently alright. Not lax, neither overdone. "May-ulong maglaro. He'll go places," remarked an observer. And this is exactly what Torrente is wishing for. "Basketball is my bread and butter. It is my means of livelihood. I have to try to excel here, and make hay while the sun shines. But first thing first. I have to win my coach's confidence. And I can only do this through self-sacrifice and determination which I'm already doing now."