After helping the Nazareth School-National University Bullpup to two junior titles, top high school point guard Terrence Fortea hopes to continue making an impact in college.
The 19-year-old Fortea finished season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines with averages of 15.4 points, 2.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals.
These were Fortea’s final figures after the Bullpups won their second straight crown over the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws.
Together with teammates Gerry Abadiano, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo, the Bullpups were able to finish season with a 16-game sweep.
“Wala pa naman talaga kaming napapatunayan sa college kaya ako motivated lang din hanggang sa papunta sa college,” said the 6’1” Fortea in a podcast.
Since graduating last March, Fortea has been in the eyes of coaches from three other collegiate teams.
But, for now, the NU Bulldogs are hopeful that they will stay on in college.
Among the other schools that are after Fortea includes the Ateneo Blue Eagles, University of Santos Tomas Growling Tigers and the Adamson Falcons.
And Fortea says this is putting pressure on him and how he plays the game.
“Siguro positive na may negative kasi thankful kami na nakikita nila yung nilalaro namin sa high school. Nakikita nila yung potential. Pero may nasasabi din na konting mali mo lang may maririnig ka rin talaga. Wala. Tuloy tuloy lang hanggang sa mapatunayan namin,” said Fortea, who has seen action for Gilas in the under-19 and under-16 levels.
For now, Fortea will have a year to improve further on his performance, now that season 83 is cancelled because of restrictions imposed to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
And season 84 promises to be a better year for him because Fortea will have a chance to come up with a better game, and time to decide if he will stay on and play with the NU Bulldogs, which is back under the care of coach Jeff Napa.
Fortea said the games of Paul Lee and Keifer Ravena, who are among his idols in the professional league, have also influenced his game.
