Top draft picks debut as TnT faces Alaska

MANILA, Philippines - Top draft choices Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario make their keenly awaited pro debut as Talk n Text squares off with Alaska Milk while Kevin Alas returns from injury as NLEX faces off with Blackwater in Day 2 of the 2015-16 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

The Road Warriors and the Elite, the former D-League arch rivals now in their second season in the pros, play at 4:15 p.m. before the Tropang Texters and the Aces take the floor in a duel of fancied teams at 7 p.m.

In between games, the PBA unveils its inaugural women’s 3-on-3 tournament.

The Blackwater team of Camille Sambile, Aliana May Lim, Camila Denise Escoto and France Mae Cabinbin tackles the Rain or Shine side of Jeleen Mangubat, Richelyn Badajos, Nikka Andrea Tupaz and Charlene then NLEX, featuring Katherine Sandel, Fria Bernardo, Angelica Ortega and Anna Regina Buendia, tangles with Star, composed of Marica Regina Castillo, Ayra Nil Hufanda, Patricia Isabelle Kalingking and Denyse Mariel Jimenez.

Talk n Text is highly touted with a champion roster made more formidable with the addition of Tautuaa and Rosario, the top two picks in the recent PBA draft.

Dylan Ababou, Dennis Miranda and Larry Rodriguez are the other new acquisitions beefing up the team’s core of Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Kelly Williams, Harvey Carey, Ryan Reyes, Larry Fonacier, Matt Ganuelas Rosser, Danny Seigle and Aaron Aban.

With runner-up finishes in the last Philippine Cup and in the Governors Cup, Alaska opted not to tinker with its lineup led by Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva, Cyrus Baguio, Jvee Casio and Dondon Hontiveros.

Also keeping their spots in the team are Chris Banchero, Vic Manuel, Noy Baclao, Rome dela Rosa, Chris Exciminiano, Eric Menk, RJ Jazul, Tony dela Cruz and Sam Eman.

This lineup came up a game short of winning the last all-Filipino tourney.

Coach Alex Compton, however, may insert Kevin Racal in the lineup upon the completion of his stint with the Letran Knights in the NCAA.

Marion Magat, Alaska’s second pick from the draft, is in the reserve list.

Talk n Text and Alaska are teams with the most significant contribution to the Gilas team in the last FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha.

Compton and Jong Uichico will now engage in a duel after working closely together as coach Tab Baldwin’s chief assistants with Gilas Pilipinas.

Castro, De Ocampo and Rosser will also play opposite Gilas teammates Abueva, Hontiveros and Thoss.

Focus, however, will be on Tautuaa and Rosario.

“Yes, they’re good, but they’re still adjusting to PBA play,” said Uichico.