Management group to develop future PBA cagers

MANILA, Philippines - Alven Torres is eyeing to help and develop more potential basketball players to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after his player – promising 6-foot-6 swingman Michael Andre Burtscher – was picked in the rookie draft a week ago.

Torres, who owns A.T. Talents Internationale Management and part of the Torres Group of Companies, said he is very happy that Burtscher’s dream has finally come true after the Alaska Aces made the Fil-Swiss the sixth overall pick.  

“There are too many players, not only Burtscher, who are dreaming to play in the PBA, but most of them are not properly equipped,” said the businessman-sportsman. “So I’m determined to exert more effort to help them develop their skills.”

Torres said he will help players who possess discipline, dedication, respect and willingness to listen and follow those in authority. 

Torres, who hired conditioning coach Kirk Collier and coach John Aquino to improve Burtscher’s lateral movement, footwork and skills before the draft, is ready to provide training camp for future players with conditioning coaches and expert trainers around.  

“Mike was a raw talent, but he listened whenever I gave him my observation with regard to how he could play better,” he said. “And because I could see that he was willing to work hard to improve his game, I sent him to take lessons with coach Collier.”

“Now he is reaping the fruits of his labor.”

Aside from Burtscher, Torres also manages 6-foot-4 rising star Chito Jaime of Sta. Lucia Realty and 6-foot-6 Michael Galinato of Adamson University .

Torres also tells his players to aim high and strive to be the best that they can be because competition is so fierce and there is no room for complacency.

“I always tell my players to save up and invest their money wisely because basketball is not forever. I also remind them the importance of education,” he said.