By Kristel Satumbaga
It takes more than passion to last two decades playing in the PBA.
Just ask Asi Taulava.
For now, Taulava, 45, is enjoying the ride as long he can still run, jump, defend and shoot.
But yes, retirement will come soon, perhaps at the end of the season.
“I’m thinking that this might be my last year. I wanted to keep it at 20 (years) and see where it goes from there,” said Taulava during Thursday’s PBA Media Day at the Solaire Tent.
“It depends on my body. If my body can’t survive six months, then it’s time to hang up my shoes. If my body can last a whole year, then I’ll probably do it again. I just want to have fun,” Taulava added.
Playing his 20th year with the league when the season opens on Sunday, Taulava said he needed to keep up and stay in shape to enjoy the sport that he loves most.
“You gotta do the extra work and listen to your body. The game is evolving. It’s gone from slow during my rookie year to fast and up and down now,” Taulava said, adding that along with the basketball’s fast evolution in the country also comes a horde of talents that are “10 times more than when I started in the league.”
“The game is gonna keep changing and it’s up to us players to change with it or step aside and let the younger guys take over,” Taulava added.
For now, Taulava also wants to be the “Kuya Asi” that everyone knows: someone who can show the younger players what it takes to last long in the league.
“It’s one thing to get drafted; it’s even harder to keep your job. So guys like me, their ‘Kuya’, we’re gonna help them,” said Taulava.
