Beermen coach wary of reloaded TnT frontline

MANILA, Philippines– After watching Fil-Tongan big man Moala Tautuaa flash his deadly form in Gilas Pilipinas’ 75-60 win over Japan on Wednesday, San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria is convinced that the incoming freshman will make Talk ‘N Text a team to reckon with in the years to come.

“Well, Mo’s energetic and has really been making the big difference sa Gilas (in the Jones Cup),” Austria told Philstar.com on Wednesday.

The 57-year-old coach noted that Tautuaa’s game-changing ways consist of his good inside-outside game, making him a defensive headache for the Beermen when the PBA’s 41st season kicks off on Oct. 18.

“Mo’s a big factor kasi may galaw siya. He can score inside, and kita din naman natin, may tira siya sa labas,” he added.

Tautuaa impressed the netizens during his breakout game against the Japanese, scoring on a two-handed dun off a crossover against a defender, while adding a coast-to-coast drive on the way to a thunderous slam.

Austria said the recent Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft gave teams an opportunity to stack up their respective rosters.

But among the 11 teams, Austria singled out Talk ‘N Text as the biggest winner, due to Tautuaa, and no. 2 overall rookie pick Troy Rosario, whom the Tropang Texters acquired during a three-team, trade over a week ago.

“We know na kami ang naging barometer dahil sa pinakita namin last season with June Mar, but then, we also know that Talk ‘N Text is inspired today because they got Mo and Troy,” he said.

“Alam nila (Tropang Texters) may panapat na sila sa amin dahil nakuha nila yung mga players na kailangan nila.”

Talk ‘N Text’s aggressive offseason movements was borne out of its desire to regain its lofty position in the league, especially after the team got swept by San Miguel, 4-0 during their semifinal duel in last season’s Philippine Cup.

The Beermen went on to capture their first All-Filipino crown since the 2001 season after subduing the Alaska Aces, 4-3 in en epic Finals battle.

Austria said they will make the most out of the next one and a half months to get back into conditioning as they shoot for a second straight Philippine Cup championship next season.