By Jan Carlo Anolin
Moala Tautuaa proved he’s just not a mere replacement for June Mar Fajardo, but an instrumental cog at San Miguel Beer.
Besides, he’s not the league’s Most Improved Player for nothing.
San Miguel’s Mo Tautuaa, left, makes his move on the post against Kyle Pascual of Magnolia in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup opener at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday. (PBA Images)
The Fil-Tongan center played heavy minutes as a starter in San Miguel’s first win against the Magnolia Hotshots 94-78 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Tautuaa posted 20 points and 11 rebounds to go with two assists and a steal after playing 41:11 minutes.
Despite an impressive performance, Tautuaa deflected the credit to his fellow Beermen and coach Leo Austria.
“I was getting the ball quite often,” the 6-foot-8 Tautuaa told reporters. “Coach wants me to produce and right now it’s an equal opportunity team. Everyone’s touching the ball, everyone’s getting it, and everyone’s moving;we’ve got to play together.”
Austria, likewise, lauded Tautuaa for stepping up big time for San Miguel and Fajardo, who is recovering from leg surgery.
The eight-time champion coach was pleased with the Beermen’s first victory of the season, stressing that they couldn’t afford to lose in the first few games and that there’s no room for complacency.
“I have to commend Mo because it seems a lot of people think na without June Mar, nobody can score inside the paint,” Austria said. “But most of the score of Mo is inside the paint. Hindi lang ‘yun, he can play defense too.”
San Miguel is still adjusting to Fajardo’s absence, who was named Most Valuable Player for the sixth straight time during the Leo Awards.
Told that he is most likely to suit up for the same minutes typically logged by Fajardo, the 30-year-old Tautuaa responded in jest: “My brain says it’s good but right now, my knees are telling me to get some ice and sit down.
“Next time, if I play the minutes, these interviews gonna be sitting down.”
Source: Manila Bulletin
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