Ex-national youth teammates Wright, Torres happy to be reunited at Gilas

NEARLY a decade ago, Matthew Wright and Norbert Torres got a chance to represent the Philippine Team when they played together for the Tao Corp.-backed national youth squad that competed in the FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship.

Fast forward 2017, Messrs. Wright and Torres found themselves reconnected when they were chosen to be part of the 23- man Gilas Pilipinas pool that is preparing for the coming SEABA Men’s Championship.

There was excitement on both players when they learned they were chosen by head coach Chot Reyes to be part of the Gilas program.

Earlier this season, they were reunited in the PBA when Mr. Wright was handpicked by head coach Ariel Vanguardia to be part of the Phoenix Fuel Masters while Mr. Torres became part of the trade prior to the start of the season, acquiring him from the Star Hotshots.

“We’re happy we were given the chance to play together again in the pool and this is more exciting and challenging because we’re here now playing alongside the best players in the PBA today,” Mr. Torres told BusinessWorld in an interview.

For Mr. Wright, being given an opportunity to play for the Philippines means a lot to him.

“My mom is a Filipina, but we moved to the United States. When I was given a chance to play before for the Philippines, there’s some sense of pride in me. Now, I’m back in the Philippines playing in the PBA and being given to be part of the national team program. I guess it’s my calling to play here,” said Mr. Wright.

Mr. Wright, a dead shot guard, and Mr. Torres, a promising big man out of La Salle, also didn’t have much difficulty learning the dribble drive offense as it is similar to the one they’re using at Phoenix.

“Dribble drive is not rocket science. It’s easy to learn and a lot of people knew it,” added Mr. Wright. “It’s the same system we’re running with Phoenix.”

Torres said the dribble drive will allow players to work on their strength through ball screens, perimeter shooting and speed.

“We’re no stranger to it. We’re comfortable running it,” added Mr. Torres.