TnT eyes Tautuaa, Rosario in the PBA Draft

MANILA, Philippines -- Coach Jong Uichico didn't hide the fact that Talk 'N Text has engaged KIA (now Mahindra Enforcers) in trade talks for the latter's no. 2 pick in next week's rookie draft.

But Uichico admitted the Tropang Texters don't have a lock at KIA's pick at this point, aware that other teams are also aiming to get the precious first round pick.

"Everybody is after the no. 2 pick. But for us, it's not a secret that we're also after the second pick," Uichico told Philstar.com.

Talk 'N Text has the first shot at the deep pool of rookie aspirants two Sundays from now and all fingers point to Fil-Tongan Moala Tautuaa as the top selection or this year's draft.

The veteran PBA coach in fact, had the luxury of sizing up Tautuaa up close when the athletic big man joined Gilas Pilipinas' practice Thursday night.

And Uichico, who also serves as one of national coach Tab Baldwin's assistants, came away impressed.

"Mo has the skills. He can do a lot of things and certainly, he should be at the top 2 picks of the draft," said Uichico.

But the multi-titled PBA coach isn't saying Tautuaa will be the Tropang Texters' top pick at this point.

"Pinagpipilian pa rin namin sino between the two guys," he said, referring former National University slotman Troy Rosario, who is tipped to land among the top two picks in the 2015 draft.

Uichico actually explained that the agile Rosario has also showed his readiness for the pros after seeing him practice the past two weeks with Gilas.

"Ang sipag ni Troy. Lahat ng galaw niya hard, which is maganda kasi alam mo na hard na siya sa practice pa lang," he said.

"Lahat ng sabihin mo sa kanya, susubukan niyang sundin. He does every drill with intensity," added Uichico.

The Talk n Text head coach won't be around during draft day since Gilas will still be in Estonia to take part in a scheduled three-game trip versus European teams.

But by then, Uichico hopes they can get the no. 2 pick as well.