Has Asi Taulava discovered the fountain of youth?
Looking at the numbers he is posting in the 2014 PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup, the answer might be yes.
Even coach Franz Pumaren believes so, as the Express’ bench tactician said, “It’s like looking at Asi five to eight years ago.”
But for the 6-foot-9 Fil-Tongan, what keeps him on his toes is the challenge the younger centers have brought upon the league.
“It’s just the challenge for us veterans and old guys to prove that we’re not washed up,” he said. “Look at Danny (Ildefonso). Coming out of two to three months sitting around, and in his first game back, he took some of those young bigs to school. That’s a testament to our efforts.”
Taulava added, “We put up so much extra work for our teams that whenever our numbers are called and we are asked to play, we’re always out there, ready to perform.”
“I super love it, especially when I go out there and see some of these cocky young guys. I try to bring them down to earth. I just don’t want to go out there and compete. I’ll go out there and come after you.”
When Air21 downed Talk ‘N Text, 102-100, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the 2003 PBA Most Valuable Player tallied his seventh double-double of the season, finishing with 23 points and 18 rebounds.
“We’re fighting for survival. We still have the chance to make the playoffs,” he said. “The win helps us a little bit, gets us upbeat against San Mig Coffee, and get the number eight spot and get a chance to make the playoffs.”
“I started off slow but I’m coming along fine. I’m starting to understand my teammates and what I can do to help the team. Whatever coach Franz asks me to do, I just go out there and give it my 110 percent. Win or lose, as long as I give my all, I’m happy with the results,” he said.
His contribution to the Express’ cause is so vital that Pumaren even credits Taulava for fueling the team to its third win in 12 assignments.
“Asi really gave us a big lift. He started out pretty strong and he really dominated the paint,” Pumaren said.
Taulava also inched his way closer to the top of the rebounding mountain, as he sits at 10th with 5,138 career rebounds, four boards short of overtaking the ninth overall Ali Peek, who has collected 5,141 career boards.
“The competition is fun. It’s great to go out there to compete against all of these younger guys. Every team out there is a challenge and its fun,” the affable big guy said. “I just go out there and battle. June Mar (Fajardo) is doing a great job. The best center in the league is at number one, so I’m kind of giving him a run for his money.”
With this new found fresh spirit keeping him in tip-top shape, Taulava issued a stern warning to those guys who are bound to bang bodies against “The Rock” down low: “The old man still got young legs,” he said. “So to these young guys, don’t look past me. I’m in shape and it feels good. I’m still here to compete.”
No comments:
Post a Comment