MANILA – Paul Asi Taulava, the oldest active player in PBA, is not about to hang up his sneakers yet after recently being given a two-year extension by the NLEX Road Warriors.
Road Warriors head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao said the 45-year-old Taulava was given another contract due to his desire to continue playing and his wide presence that can match up with the centers from other team.
“Gusto niya pa talaga eh, so we extended him to complete his 20th year of playing in the PBA and we are not doing this because gusto lang namin siyang pagbigyan,” Guiao said in an interview with Fox Sports PH.
“We felt there’s no other player in our squad who can match up with the likes of June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, and Japeth Aguilar among others,” added the Gilas Pilipinas mentor.
Guiao also said he believes that the 6-foot-9 Taulava is still fit to play in the league due to his eagerness to improve his game – including his newly-developed outside shooting.
“He never stops from learning. He’s still eager to learn even at this time and I think that’s one of the good trademarks of a player who wants to continue playing,” added Guiao.
“We’re going to need him, at least for eight to 10 minutes a game. Of course, it could be extended if ever he plays well,” he added. “He can also serve as a mentor to our younger centers like Poy (John Paul Erram).”
The Filipino-Tongan has found a home in the Road Warriors after moving from one team to another in his PBA career from TNT KaTropa, now defunct Coca Cola Tigers, Meralco Bolts and Air 21 Express (which has now become the Road Warriors)./PN
