Fifty-four out of 63 rookie aspirants got their names called in the 2015 Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft yesterday.
Not surprisingly, Talk ‘N Text selected Fil-Tongan Moala Tautuaa as the No.1 overall pick.
Tautuaa emerged as the biggest name in this draft class after dominating in the Asean Basketball League and the PBA D-League while playing for the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns and the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems.
The 26-year-old big man is expected to contribute for the Tropang Texters, who could’ve used Tautuaa’s legitimate inside presence last season.
National University standout Troy Rosario, meanwhile, was the second overall pick by the Mahindra Enforcers (formerly Kia Carnival).
The 6-foot-7 Tautuaa and the 22-year-old Rosario also missed their Draft moments due to his commitments with Gilas Pilipinas, which just wrapped up a three-game stretch in Estonia.
“Malaking tulong siya sa team. He can stretch the floor,” said Kia assistant Chito Victolero.
The mystery third pick was unveiled with Fil-Nigerian guard Maverick Ahanmisi going to Rain or Shine.
“The fans can expect me to bring the hard work to Rain or Shine,” Ahanmisi, who won a championship with Café France in the PBA D-League, said.
Meralco on the other hand, went with Ateneo guard Chris Newsome as the fourth overall selection.
“I just feel blessed. It’s a dream come true and I’m really excited,” the high-leaping Newsome said./PBA.INQUIRER.NET