PBA IMAGES
It’s been two years since Moala Tautuaa first played in the PBA, but it’s just now that the former top overall pick has shown his true potential.
Tautuaa put up quality numbers in limited minutes on Friday, finishing with a line of 18 points, and six rebounds in 23 minutes of play to help TNT take down Alaska, 106-98, for its first win in the PBA Philippine Cup.
This performance earned the praise of KaTropa head coach Nash Racela, who said that Tautuaa is finally learning the ropes of the PBA.
“Mo was very efficient and that’s what we need from our players,” said Racela in Filipino Friday at Cuneta Astrodome. “We condition their minds that they’re going to play shorter minutes but with the minutes we entrust them we make sure that they’ll perform at the highest level.”
“And Mo was the perfect example, he had less minutes than Kelly [Williams who played 24 minutes] but he was very efficient.”
Tautuaa never found his groove in the PBA in his first two seasons and was deemed unworthy of his status as the top pick in the 2015 Draft.
Tautuaa never averaged more than 10 points despite having the physical traits of standing at 6-foot-8 and the leaping ability to jump over most defenders.
“Finally, it’s been a long road,” said Tautuaa. “I mean, I just got to find my niche, I got to find my groove. It’s been frustrating when you’re not getting the results that you want, but I mean I’m happy because I could see my work pay off, like a progression.”
Tautuaa added that he just has to remain positive and be patient with what he’s given.
“I don’t want to be stuck… So I just got to continue to keep a positive mind, keep working, and just try to continue to always be better and don’t get complacent.”