Two NBA unrestricted free agents join 153 others in PBA D-League Rookie Draft

Two NBA unrestricted free agents join 153 others in PBA D-League Rookie Draft

Two NBA unrestricted free agents will be among the 155 aspirants wishing for Lady Luck to be on their side when the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League holds its 2014 Rookie Draft on Monday.

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 keeping their fingers crossed hoping their playing careers would turnaround for the better in this side of the world.

A total of 18 Fil-foreign players beef up the talent-rich pool, more than enough to ensure that all 12 teams which will see action in the season opening Aspirants’ Cup would be able to form a competitive team.

“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.

Jaded observers, who have religiously followed the PBA D-League, consider Tautuaa a prospective No.1 pick taking into account his built and size. The 25-year old power forward is among the tallest in the pool at 6-foot-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 place in the Foundation Cup, holds the No.1 pick. The second pick belongs to Tanduay Light followed by Café France, Jumbo Plastic and Wangs Basketball.

The six new teams – AMA University, Bread Story, Hapee Toothpaste, M-Builders, MP Hotel and Racal Motorsales Corp. will complete the drafting order through lottery on draft day.

The proceedings will begin at 1 o’clock at the PBA Office in Libis Quezon City.

With perennial champion NLEX and Blackwater Sport taking their acts to the PBA this year, many believes the fifth season of the PBA D-League will be interesting with a lot of unexpected twist in the battle for supremacy.

The season opening Aspirants’ Cup will begin on Oct. 27.(Hazel Ancheta/PBA)