Texters test top 2 rookies vs. Aces

TNT Top Rookies Mo Tautuaa and Troy Rosario. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Top rookie picks Moala Tautuua and Troy Rosario usher in a new era for Talk ‘N Text as the Tropang Texters open their campaign against the Alaska Aces Friday night in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gametime is 7 p.m. with the Tropang Texters and the Aces looking to join opening-day winner Rain or Shine on top in the early goings of the All-Filipino tournament.

Selected first and second in the draft, Tautuua and Rosario—who both gained international exposure by playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the buildup to the Fiba Asia Championship—try to live up to the hype while injecting youth and energy to the franchise that last won the All-Filipino crown three seasons ago.

A bull-strong big man, the 6-foot-7 Tautuua has been tipped as the future of the Tropang Texters as they transition the team that gained plenty of success early in the decade.

The Fil-Tongan will work in tandem with Rosario, the 6-6 former National U center, who has flashed a polished offensive game over the past year.

“We’re ready to do whatever it takes for the team to be successful,” said Tautuua.

While expectations will be high on the two newcomers, Jason Castro, billed as Asia’s best point guard, remains the focal point of the team’s offense along with veteran Ranidel de Ocampo.

After reaching the finals of two of the last three tournaments, the Aces retained their core, led by Calvin Abueva and veterans Sonny Thoss and Dondon Hontiveros.

The three players are coming off a stint with the national team that placed second in the Fiba Asia Championship, where coach Alex Compton also served as one of Gilas mentor Tab Baldwin’s assistants.

NLEX and Blackwater also get their campaigns going when they clash at 4:15 p.m.

The Road Warriors will parade a new-look backcourt that includes former Talk ‘N Text rookie Kevin Alas and newcomer Garvo Lanete, a former PBA D-League MVP.

Asi Taulava, 42, enters his 16th season in the league as he leads the Road Warriors, who added another versatile player to its lineup by signing rookie Glenn Khobuntin and trading for Sean Anthony.

The Elite remain dangerous despite a woeful first pro season. Apart from Art dela Cruz, who still hasn’t join the team due to his commitment with San Beda, the Elite’s only significant acquisition was Mike Cortez from Meralco.