Twelve years since winning the coveted MVP plum, 42-year-old Fil-Tongan Asi Taulava remains resilient and competitive.
The 6-foot-10 Taulava could have retired after completing his 16th season in the league with the elimination of the NLEX Road Warriors in the ongoing Governors’ Cup, but the veteran center has other things in mind.
Before hanging up his jerseys and sneakers for good, Taulava said he wants to win another championship.
That’s why Taulava was so disappointed when they failed to get into the playoffs.
Having an athletic import in Kwame Alexander and Asian reinforcement in Syrian shooting guard Michael Madanly, Taulava said they should be playing in the playoffs.
“I’m not happy. The responsibility falls on me. I wasn’t able to carry the team,” Taulava said following NLEX’s 107-110 defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Though his battling Father Time, Taulava said he’s in best condition ever, good enough to win a championship.
“I wanna win a championship. I’m not going to settle with this. That’s the best way to end it… win a championship,” said Taulava.
The last time he won a championship was in 2003 when he helped power Talk ’N Text win the Philippine Cup.
This season, he averaged almost 14 points and 10 rebounds per game this season, his first with the Road Warriors after the team acquired the franchise of Air21.
According to Taulava, the point guard spot needs an upgrade and give veteran playmaker Jonas Villanueva a quality back up, and shooters as well, which he felt the team lacked this season.
“It’s up to coach (Boyet Fernandez)… he knows what to do,” said Taulava.
With his superb physical condition, Taulava said he could provide quality time if given a chance to play with the national team.