WATCH: Moala Tautuaa rattles rims, Japan with slam dunk exhibition

MANILA, Philippines – The William Jones Cup has revealed the character of a number of young players in the Gilas Pilipinas pool. From the blinding speed and fearlessness of Terrence Romeo, to the boundless energy of Alaska Ace Calvin Abueva, to the finesse and versatility of Talk ‘N Text’s Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, the future is now for the Philippine men’s basketball team.

Also among that crowd is Moala Tautuaa, the 26-year-old Fil-Tongan who was selected number one overall last month in the Philippine Basketball Association’s rookie draft by Talk ‘N Text. The 6-foot-8 big man has helped Gilas in their Jones Cup campaign by doing a lot of the small things that go unnoticed, but he could hardly be overlooked against Japan on Wednesday, September 2.

(FULL REPORT: Romeo, Tautuaa shine late as Gilas holds off Japan)

Tautuaa capped off a 75-60 victory with two monster jams that shook the rims and sent Japanese defenders running for cover.

What a slam! Terrence Romeo (@tbvromeo) finds Moala Tautuaa (@Tautuaa33) for the throw down! #labanpilipinas pic.twitter.com/wNpiSQLerI

— Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) September 2, 2015

Tautuaa finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds while allowing veterans Sonny Thoss and Asi Taulava to rest following the team’s physical battle with a Russian side on Tuesday. Tautuaa may get the opportunity to go up against one of Asia’s best big men tomorrow when Gilas faces Hamed Haddadi and Iran at 1 pm. – Rappler.com