In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, MPBL prospect Paul Turco looks back at his journey after a formidable run with the Blazers in the landmark season of the NCAA.
Paul Turco's basketball journey did not begin with grandeur, it started during his junior high school days. “Sumali ako sa varsity ng school namin. Then, I grew tall–nagka-growth spurt kasi ako kaya pinalaro ako ng basketball ng mga friends ko, nakahiligan ko na rin tapos nag tuloy-tuloy na.”
Initially the center of Holy Cross of Davao College, he later donned the green and white jersey of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Archers then eventually moved across the street to play for the Blazers in hopes of a better opportunity and more exposure, “After ng two years ko sa DLSU lumipat ako sa Benilde, dito na ako naglaro talaga.”
Brotherhood beyond basketball
When asked about his most memorable moments as a Benildean, he shared, “Siguro ‘yung pagpasok ko sa school, marami akong nakilalang mga friends dito… nagiging fan na rin naming Blazers tuwing naglalaro kami.”
Beyond the hard-fought battles on the hardwood, it’s the bond with the Blazers that Turco cherishes the most, “Yung bond namin as a team [ang pinaka-memorable]. Minsan nag-out of country, out of town, ‘yun nakakapagbond kami together. Minsan kapag may break kami pumupunta kami Tagaytay o pumupunta kami ng mga resort, nagbo-bonding kami.”
Rising to the challenge
Standing at 6’6, Turco faced a fair share of expectations; however, for him and the Blazers, it was all about trusting their roles and the system. “We play by our role, trust lang namin sa role namin and sa system talaga.”
In 2023, legendary coach Rajko Toroman entered the coaching staff of the Blazers, “Nung pumasok si Coach Rajko sa team, mas more detail [oriented] siya eh. Sa mga position namin, kapag nagsi-screen dapat sakto talaga. Sabi nya kahit small detail kasi malaking tulong na ‘yun.”
According to Turco, his seniors were the reason behind Benilde’s strong championship contention, allowing them to consecutively make the Final Four since Season 98 in 2022, “Thankful rin ako sa seniors ko dati na nagbuild sila ng program na pinataas nila ‘yung Benilde, tapos pinagpatuloy na lang namin ‘yung ginawa nila para at least naangat namin ang Benilde from the bottom na ngayon isa na nasa palaging final four or finals.”
All in the details
As he prepares to step into the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), he carries with him the lessons from his days as a Blazer. He highlighted that the smallest of details can make the difference as taught by Coach Rajko, Coach Charles Tiu, and the rest of the Blazers’ coaching staff.
However, for him this mindset goes beyond the court. “Even in real life po, sa ginagawa ko pang araw-araw, besides sa basketball, ‘yung sa acads siguro, … ‘yung pagiging detailed oriented from Blazers na even the small details na nagagawa [namin] madadala ko ‘yun sa pro scene.”
Heartfelt farewell
Turco also expressed his gratitude to the Benildean community for their unwavering support. “Thankful ako sa support nila throughout the season, [lalo na] last season, I hope that you continue supporting the Blazers. This season may chance pa tayo, sana [continuous] ‘yung support tulad dati, sana more support pa.”
Moreover, he hopes that even after his departure his teammates and the next generation of players will carry on the Blazers’ culture, “Continue lang ‘yung culture na iniwan ng mga seniors namin dati na—winning culture and love for the game ‘tapos ‘yung respeto sa mga kalaban.”
As he prepares to enter the professional basketball scene, Turco leaves behind a legacy of grit, hard work, and brotherhood. His journey from a growth-spurt teen turned athlete is a testament that with passion and perseverance, the spotlight will eventually find you.
