PBA top rookie prospect Tautuaa joins Gilas with an open mind

MANILA, Philippines -- PBA top rookie prospect Moala Tautuaa was quick to learn some of the Gilas' plays in a walk-through practice on Thursday night. 

The 6-foot-7 Fil-Tongan, who had just arrived from the US last Wednesday, immediately buckled down to work to learn coach Tab Baldwin's system. 

"It feels good to get to know the team and running with them to get the wind back in my lungs," Tautuaa told Philstar.com.

"It's a little different (system) from what I'm used to but it's just a little bit of things that I have to tweak.  But this will help me in the long run," he added. 

Tautuaa was invited to join the national pool as Andray Blatche's back-up after the former NBA player arrived in the country out-of-shape before being sidelined by a prostatitis (prostate infection).  

The PBA D-League MVP was a pleasant sight on Thursday's night practice for the national pool that has been battered by health woes and player pull-outs. He was grateful for the opportunity given to him by Gilas even if his spot in the national team is not guaranteed. 

"I just came here with an open mind.  Right now, I'm just a back-up for Andray (Blatche) but it's just a learning experience for now. If it turns out to be more than that then it's great but if it's not, I'll learn a lot here and get me help into better shape to get ready for the PBA," Tautuaa said.

Tautuaa is expected to become this year's top overall pick by Talk n Text, which got the rights in a previous trade with expansion team Blackwater Elite in exchange for Larry Rodriguez and the Tropang Texters' own first round choice.