EVER noticed the renewed vigor in Moala Tautuaa's game?
Though playing sparingly under the shadows of San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo, Tautuaa has been playing solid minutes for the Beermen in the past few games of the PBA All-Filipino Cup.
The reason? The 6-8 Fil-Tongan has been playing inspired basketball since the off-court spat involving him and Calvin Abueva and their wives.
READ Fajardo minutes will depend on Tautuaa, says coach Gallent
And the fact that San Miguel coaching staff has assured him that he would play an important role especially that Fajardo is not yet playing at full fitness further woke ‘the sleeping dragon’ in him.
“Though I have been fighting for playing time against the PBA’s greatest ever, it was a compliment that they expressed my value to the team,” said Tautuaa.
And true enough, in San Miguel’s first three games of the conference, the 2015 top pick has been logging impressive numbers and contributing a lot of intangibles.
Tautuaa is averaging 5.67 points, 5.67 rebounds1.33 assists, 1.33 steals and nearly a block per game while playing an average of 18.18 minutes per game to ease the mileage on the ‘worn-out legs’ of Fajardo.
“I am just playing my role of providing what is needed by the team and what the coaches want me to do. And I am happy that people appreciate whatever I give whenever I am on the court,” said Tautuaa.
“Believe me, it is not easy sharing the minutes with the best player ever to play in the league. June Mar has won seven MVP’s and to provide him with his needed rest during the game and keep the same level of intensity he has set the bar on is not an easy task,” said Tautuaa.
“And I will do my best to keep up with the challenge. I don’t care if I am just a Robin to him, as long as the team is winning and I am satisfying that need, I will always be happy on the side,” added the wide-bodied slotman.
Tautuaa bared that he has been undergoing extra practices and skills training thrice a week to prepare himself for whatever will be in the horizon.
“I told you I am more inspired now than before,” he said.
No complaints from Mo
Asked if he doesn’t even tinker at the prospect of one day going up against Fajardo playing for a different team, Tautuaa gave a hearty laugh.
“That’s something I haven’t imagined since the day I was traded here to San Miguel. It’s always an honor playing against June Mar and the challenge was always there for me. But I can’t say more of that now, he’s my teammate - my valuable teammate,” he said with a smile.
“But if and when San Miguel decides to let go of me, which I hope won’t happen soon, I will always be ready to play against June Mar like what I do during practices.
"And what people don’t realize is you get to play against your teammate more when you’re on the same team rather than players from the other teams, you know what I am saying?” said Tautuaa.
But is he happy with his playing minutes at San Miguel?
“When I have been utilized like this, I never complained. Shall I complain now that I am getting the minutes and I am diligently giving it my all every time I am on floor?” Tautuaa said.
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