ASI Taulava is officially in his 22nd season in the PBA after being fielded by NLEX in the lopsided win over Terrafirma in the PBA Governors' Cup on Saturday.
The 48-year-old Taulava played in the final minutes of the Road Warriors' 116-86 victory over the Dyip. Taulava even converted a triple to chip in as NLEX notched its fourth win in as many games.
“We are happy for Asi,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao. “I was looking for an opportunity to bring him in the game. This is one of the opportunities.”
Facing career uncertainty as he was placed on the reserve list during the Philippine Cup, Taulava earned a spot in NLEX roster for the Governors Cup and his appearance on Saturday moved him one season shy of tying Robert Jaworski for most seasons in the PBA.
Guiao said Taulava continues to work hard in practice, and to take care of his body. The NLEX coach also insisted that Taulava is still more than just a player sent in during garbage time.
Asi Taulava is expected to get more playing minutes.
Asi Taulava's role
“Asi is still practicing hard and still giving our younger guys a run for their money. Kita mo rin katawan ni Asi, hindi siya tumaba. Lalo pang pumayat. Parang mas kundisyon nga siya ngayon,” said Guiao.
Guiao also added Taulava will be getting playing time in the conference to allow the audience to watch the former PBA MVP as his career winds down.
“We are also trying to give him the respect that he deserves to all the years he has been an iconic personality in the PBA. Siguro it’s just a way to appreciate what he has done for the franchise, for the Filipino fans, and hindi pa naman tapos.”
“We are still looking for opportunities to play him so that the fans can have a treat just watching Asi in maybe in a few more games,” said Guiao.
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