TNT head coach explains decision to pick Cebuano guard in recent PBA Draft
CDN FILE PHOTO
TNT’s search for a viable back-up to star guard Jayson Castro led them to select Cebuano hotshot Macmac Tallo in the first round of the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft last Sunday at Robinsons Place Manila.
Surprising many, TNT head coach Nash Racela tapped the former Southwestern University-Phinma guard ahead of more well-known guards Dan Sara of San Beda and Thomas Torres of La Salle.
In a talk, Racela explained that with Castro already past his 30s, the search is on for someone to back him up or play off him.
“We are continuously looking for a guard that will support Jayson Castro and hopefully also play with him. The search has been continuous and thus, we picked Mark Tallo,” said Racela, whose roster also has guards RR Garcia, Ryan Reyes and Rudy Lingganay.
Racela admitted being familiar with Tallo’s career down south and recognized the tremendous potential the 22-year-old has.
“We followed his career in Cebu and we see a lot of potential in him,” Racela added. “He’s a big guard who is tough and has a high basketball IQ for his position.”
Interestingly, Tallo’s father, Mark Tallo, once played for Pepsi, which eventually became Mobiline, the precursor of the current TNT KaTropa squad.