Throughout the PBA Philippine Cup, Kelly Nabong served as Globalport’s main anchor in the frontcourt, having to deal with rebounding and playing defense against the league’s bigger centers and forwards.
Standing at just 6’5”, Nabong is short compared to the likes of 6’9” Japeth Aguilar, 7’0” Greg Slaughter, and the four-time MVP 6’10” June Mar Fajardo.
Despite his stature, Nabong used his might and strength to average 13.45 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.45 blocks per game in the Philippine Cup eliminations.
Nabong, however, will now have a vital frontcourt partner as Globalport acquired Moala Tautuaa from TNT after sending away Terrence Romeo and Yousef Taha.
Tautuaa came to the Batang Pier’s camp on Tuesday along with two future draft picks, and Nabong is already giddying up for his potential partnership with the 2015 top overall pick.
“Mo’s a very good rebounder, he can stretch the floor, shoot the three, he can defend imports and that takes a hell of a load off from me because I usually guard the import,” said Nabong Thursday at the team’s practice facility in Green Meadows.
“It’ll give me a little break when he comes in get some fresh in there, it’d be pretty good. I’m actually excited when we got him for the team.”
Tautuaa, during in the 11 games he played with TNT in Philippine Cup eliminations, averaged 8.64 points and 7.82 rebounds.
Although Tautuaa brought additional depth to the Batang Pier’s frontcourt that also includes Bradwyn Guinto and Joseph Gabayni, Nabong said he won’t be taking a step back.
“I’m still going to do what I’m going to do and I’m still going to stay active and do everything to help this team win,” said Nabong. “I know Mo brings the same kind of energy, same kind of talent, same kind of everything to help the team win.”