Fil-Tongan, Rosario head PBA rookie draft

FILIPINO-TONGAN Moala Tautuaa and national team revelation Troy Rosario head the likely top prospects as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opens application for the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft.

Foreign players with Filipino roots must submit all documentary requirements by June 30, while local players have until Aug. 7.

The Draft is set on Aug. 23 at Robinsons Place Manila.

“I’ve seen a lot of new talents in the D-League so I’m pretty sure that the coming PBA season will be a lot more exciting,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud. “I think by this time, some PBA teams have already identified their prospects.”

The 6-foot-8 Tautuaa, who also saw action in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), has been tabbed as a potential top pick following his notable stint with Cagayan Valley and Cebuana Lhuillier in the D-League.

Rosario, a fast-rising forward, has also been sensational after starring in the championship runs of National University in the UAAP, Hapee in the D-League and recently with the Gilas Pilipinas cadet team in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

College graduates may sign up for the Draft. Otherwise, applicants must be at least 21 years old to be eligible.

Filipino-foreign players must submit pertinent documents to prove their citizenship and also meet the D-League residency requirement of playing at least seven games in each of the two conferences.

The league will release the final list of Draft candidates on Aug. 20.