i TV Pinoy

Source: Nelson Beltran, Philippine Star

GUANGZHOU – Asi Taulava has been defying Father Time, proving to be a huge presence for Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas in its campaign in the XVI Asian Games here. Taulava relishes his Asiad stint and shows admirable traits that make him positive influence to the young members of the Smart Gilas Phl.

“The best to put it is that he’s in his elements here,” said Smart Gilas assistant coach Chot Reyes.

“He loves to be with the national team and he’s really admirable as he’s coming out and working hard to put in his share at 37,” Reyes added.

Reyes said Taulava is the team’s spiritual leader who is unselfish and vocal, sharing wisdom and knowledge to his teammates.

He’s also ready to hear criticisms.”He played bad against Iran and it was a big blow on us. He only got one rebound and didn’t make good use of his fouls. We told him we didn’t feel his presence, and he took it to heart,” said Reyes.

“In the next game, he was very aggressive, providing massive screens and banging his body with the opponents. He showed his leadership,” Reyes added.

Taulava has assumed a big task in the team after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas failed to work on Marcus Douthit’s naturalization papers in time for the Asiad.

“He’s supposed to be just Marcus’ back-up. Suddenly, he’s to play a lead role. He’s now playing lots of minutes and he has no other choice,” said Reyes.

On Wednesday, the Meralco Bolts main frontline player came through with 10 points and eight rebounds, helping Smart Gilas to a 90-68 rout of Qatar.

He’s also helping the progress of seven-foot reserve center Greg Slaughter.

“Asi made it a point to have Greg as his roommate, and he’s a positive influence on Greg,” said Reyes, noting the good showing by the young center versus the Qataris.

Before they left for China, Taulava said he wants to make the most of his Guangzhou stint, aware he’s not getting younger and this may be his last tour of duty with the Phl team. He’s played in one Asian Games and two FIBA Asia championships but has yet to win a medal of any color.

He’s aching to nail one here.