Tallo surprised to zoom to Round 1 of PBA Draft

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Many mock drafts, including that of Dugout Philippines, didn't have Mac-Mac Tallo as a projected first round pick.

Tallo himself told the publication after Draft Night on Sunday at the Robinson's Place here that he already conceded to the said projection.

"Expected ko na second round ako eh," the former SWU Cobra said.

But lo and behold, the six-foot combo guard found himself zooming up to the 10th overall pick of the draft by TNT.

"Sobrang surprised ako kasi noong tinawag ang pangalan ko, sabi ko, 'Ako ba talaga yan?'" Tallo continued.

Tallo was selected ahead of Davon Potts and Thomas Torres. Potts eventually slipped to the second round, while Torres found himself even falling to the third round.

"Sa combine, sila yung kinakausap at tinitignan ng mga tao. Ako, nasa gilid lang. Sabi ko, 'Trabaho lang. Gagawin ko lang yung makakaya ko. Kung makuha man ako, OK lang. Kapag hindi, OK lang din," Tallo, who was once a teammate with Torres at La Salle before moving to SWU, shared his motivation during the combine.

On why Coach Nash Racela decided to choose Tallo in the first round, the latter thought, "Siguro nakita niya yung dedication ko on how to play the game at yung makakaya ko na hindi talaga ako mag-gi-give up sa dream ko."

Tallo then vowed to repay Racela, who has been known for recruiting Cebuanos to his fold ever since he was the head coach of FEU, saying, "Kung ano man ang sasabihin ni Coach Nash, gagawin ko. I'm open naman sa adjustments. Ang aim ko, team muna bago sarili."

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