Rising Suns tap big man in D-L draft

MANILA, Philippines - Cagayan Valley sees a breakthrough run in the PBA D-League after making big man Moala Tatuaa the top pick while Tanduay Light went for Ateneo’s energetic forward Chris Newsome and Café France-CEU tabbed La Salle’s Arnold Van Opstal in yesterday’s Draft Day at the PBA Office in Libis, Quezon City.

The 6-foot-7 standout from Chadron State College was the hands down pick for Rising Suns, who will be pinning their title hopes on the former Westports Malaysia Dragons when the league’s new season fires off with the Aspirants Cup on Oct. 27 at the Ynares Sports Arena.

“He will certainly be of big help as we gun for our first-ever championship,” said Cagayan assistant coach Nonoy Bonleon, whose wards had one runner-up finish. “With his height and talent, I think we make it all the way to the finals again.”

Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson got what he wanted in Newsome.

“If I were to go number one, I would still pick him, I would go for talent over height. He’s a complete package, a multi-position player,” said Chongson.

Owning the third pick in the Draft, Cafe France-CEU tapped the 6-foot-9 Opstal, whom coach Egay Macaraya said was their top priority in the rookie selection.

“Management decision is to get AVO,” said Macaraya. “The only thing now is about commitment. Hopefully, it pushes through since he’ll be an asset to any other team.”

La Salle’s other big man Norbert Torres went to Cebuana Lhuillier at fourth, while Fil-Am guard Kris Rosales landed to Jumbo Plastic at fifth.