Two NBA free agents lead DL Rookie Draft

MANILA, Philippines - Two NBA unrestricted free agents will be among the 155 aspirants in the PBA Developmental League Rookie Draft set Monday at the PBA office.

Moala Tautuaa, an American born Fil-Tongan, and Fil-Am guard Jeramy King went undrafted during the 2012 and 2014 NBA draft, respectively, but are now hoping to resume their playing career here. 

Eighteen Fil-foreign players beef up the talent-rich pool, thus guaranteeing a level playing field among 12 teams in the season-oepning Aspirants’ Cup.

“We are very happy with the interest generated by our Rookie Draft. The list indicates that we have a rich pool of talent to select from. After going through the list, I am convinced that we will have a very competitive 2015 season,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

The field also includes 46 local players currently seeing action in the UAAP, NCAA and NAASCU.

PBA D-League observers consider Tautuaa a prospective No.1 pick owing to his built and size. The 25-year-old power forward is among the tallest in the pool at 6-7 and weighs 237 lbs. He is currently playing for the Kuala Lumpur Dragons in the Asian Basketball League.

Cagayan Valley, which finished sixth in last season’s Aspirants’ Cup and 10th in the Foundation Cup, holds the No.1 pick. Tanduay Light will pick next followed by Café France, Cebuana Lhuillier, Jumbo Plastic and Wangs Basketball.