ALTON Lister is known as one of the most physical players during his heyday in the NBA.
And Mo Tautuaa got a first-hand experience of what it is like to go up against the center, who played 17 seasons in the NBA. Never mind if he's now 58.
The Fil-Tongan sophomore sat out TnT Katropa’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Blackwater on Friday night with a bruised rib courtesy of the seven-foot Lister, who is part of the Texters’ coaching staff in-charge of teaching the team’s big men.
“Coach Alton hit me really, really, really freakin hard. You put that on tape,” Tautuaa told mediamen following the Texters’ 92-89 come-from-behind win against the Elite at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“That’s the man. If you really want to really, really, really get mad at someone, that’s coach Alton. (Public) enemy No. 1. That’s the kalaban."
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Of course, Tautuaa was only joking. He and the rest of the team have been vocal in crediting the work of the former Arizona State star, selected in the first round (21st overall) by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1981 NBA draft, for the improved play of Tautuaa and Gilas pool member Troy Rosario.
Tautuaa cannot specifically say the time frame of his return to the Texters active roster.
“Hopefully soon,” he said. “We’re kind of sticky out there today. Soon as I can, get back on the team, get back on the groove, and play again.”
But Mo said he feels much better since suffering the injury four days ago.
“I should be getting better by now,” he added. "I feel better than when it initially happened. But right now, I’ve seen better days.”
Watching from the sidelines, Tautuaa also liked what he saw in new import Donte Green, who debuted with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
“He’s good. He’s a smooth player. All around he’s doing well,” said Tautuaa of the import who replaced Lou Amondson. “We like Lou. But coach knows something that we don’t. So we got Greene in for Lou.
“Let’s see how it works. He got us the win so it’s good.”