MANILA – History is in the offing for Paul Asi Taulava after
agreeing to a contract extension with the NLEX Road Warriors, making him the
only player in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to play in four
different decades.
Road Warriors head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao
confirmed the return of the former PBA MVP, but the length of Taulava’s
contract is still being discussed with the management.
“Most likely, he will return,” said Guiao. “We
are still determining, are we going to give him a conference, a half-year
contract, or a full-year contract. ‘Yun
din ang ine-evaluate namin.”
The 46-year-old Tongan-Filipino entered the PBA
in 1999 as one of the directly hired Fil-foreigners. He went on to become PBA
MVP, Best Player of the Conference, Finals MVP and a PBA champion in 2003 with
the Talk N’ Text (TNT) KaTropa franchise.
Guiao said Taulava will be helpful in the
transition period for the current crop of Road Warriors bigs in Poy Erram, JR
Quinahan, Raul Soyud, as well as rookie Will McAloney.
“Kailangan
na rin kasi ma-elevate na ‘yung nasa
baba para mag-umpisa na rin ‘yung transition,” said Guiao.
Guiao also said that NLEX is set to sign to sign
three of their rookie selections in McAloney, Mike Ayonayon and three-point
gunner Amiel Soberano, while also extending the contract of Ilonggo guard
Jericho Cruz./PN
