Mo foresaw trade

Tautuaa knew that getting traded is part of the business and it’s also a proof of one’s hardwork that’s why teams are coveting the players’ services. #MoalaTautuaa #SMBNorthPortTrade

Mo Tautuaa saw the trade coming and thinks that he would be a great fit with San Miguel Beer.

And like a true professional, Tautuaa thanked the NorthPort management for giving him the opportunity to shine after a not so memorable stint with TNT KaTropa.

“I was surprised because we just won in NorthPort, but I saw it coming. But the last time I was with TNT there was a lot of trade rumors but I’ve seen this pattern before,” Tautuaa said.

“I’m still trying digest it. It’s how it works out here. You’ve got to go with what you got. Today it’s a huge news to me. I thought I was doing alright in NorthPort, now I’m here at San Miguel,” he added.

The 2015 No. 1 pick was sent to the Beermen in exchange for Christian Standhardinger, also a former No. 1 pick in 2017.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) formally approved the one-on-one deal and Tautuaa and Standhardinger will fashion their new threads when the Beermen and Batang Pier collide on 23 October.

Tautuaa knew that getting traded is part of the business and it’s also a proof of one’s hardwork that’s why teams are coveting the players’ services.

And he thanked Batang Pier management for handling the matter professionally.

“They gave me a call. Made sure everything was checked out. They gave me a call and they have done it professionally,” Tautuaa said.

“That’s not how it went out for me the last time when I found out I got traded in the internet. They love me over there and I love my NorthPort family,” he added.

The 6-foot-8 athletic big man is averaging 11 points and eight rebounds per game in the ongoing 2019 Governors’ Cup.

Tautuaa believes that he will fit well with San Miguel and he is willing to do what is necessary to help the team.

“I think I will fit right in. I’ve played against June Mar and I know what they need. They have an established inside so they need an inside-outside guy or a reliever,” he said.

“I feel like I can be that little piece that they need. I’m gonna try my best to be what they need.”